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- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 2 cups broccoli florets - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor) When making creamy broccoli cheddar rice, you want the best ingredients. Each item plays a part in the dish's flavor. Let's start with the main ingredients. Jasmine rice gives a soft and fluffy base. Broccoli florets add a fresh crunch. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into a creamy delight. Next, we have the additional ingredients. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Butter adds flavor and helps with sautéing. Onion and garlic bring a wonderful aroma. Mustard powder gives a subtle kick. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can also add grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist. With these ingredients, you're on your way to a tasty meal. Enjoy the process of cooking this dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Rinsing helps remove extra starch, which keeps the rice from being sticky. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Next, grab a medium saucepan. Heat 3 cups of vegetable broth until it boils. Once it boils, add the rinsed rice, and lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will absorb all the broth and become fluffy. While the rice cooks, take 2 cups of broccoli florets. Use a steaming basket or pot to steam the broccoli. Steam it for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it bright green and tender but not mushy. Once done, set it aside. Now, let’s sauté the aromatics. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add a small, finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until it smells good. When the rice is ready, add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir well to mix everything. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and add 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Mix it all together. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on low heat, stirring now and then. Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. If you like, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for more flavor. Finally, fold in the steamed broccoli. Make sure it’s well mixed throughout the rice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Cook everything on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. This warms it all up nicely. To make great rice, rinse it well. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes extra starch and keeps the rice from being gummy. When cooking, bring the vegetable broth to a boil first. Add the rinsed rice, then reduce the heat right away. Cover it and let it simmer. This way, the rice absorbs all the broth. Cook for about 15-18 minutes for the best result. For a creamy dish, use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and gives a strong flavor. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream. If you want a lighter dish, use less cream. Taste as you go to find the right balance. Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar rice in a large, shallow bowl. You can add extra cheddar cheese on top for a nice look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color too. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. It also goes well with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. These sides will add more texture and flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Rinse Your Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing a gummy texture. Perfectly Steamed Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets just until they are bright green and tender to retain their vibrant color and nutrients. Gradual Cheese Addition: Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually to ensure it melts evenly, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can change a few ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Alternative grains: Try brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice. They add different textures and flavors. - Vegan cheese options: For a dairy-free dish, use vegan cheese. It melts well and keeps the creamy texture. Want to make this dish even tastier? Here are some simple tricks: - Additional spices and herbs: Add spices like paprika or herbs like thyme for more flavor. A pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick. - Adding proteins: Mix in cooked chicken or tofu. This adds protein and makes the dish heartier. You can make this dish fit any season by adding fresh vegetables: - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, use fresh corn or zucchini. For fall, try sweet potatoes or carrots. - Fall or winter "comfort" additions: In colder months, add cooked butternut squash or mushrooms. They add warmth and depth to the dish. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your dish just as delicious as the first time! You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken: This adds protein and pairs well with the creamy rice. - Roasted vegetables: A mix of carrots and bell peppers adds color and flavor. - Crusty bread: It’s perfect for scooping up the delicious rice. - Simple salad: A light green salad with a tangy dressing balances the meal. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the rice and broccoli: Do this a day before. Mix them with the creamy sauce, but do not add cheese yet. - Store in the fridge: Keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. - Reheat: Warm it slowly in a pot over low heat. Stir in cheese while heating to keep it creamy. If you like heat, here are some ways to spice things up: - Red pepper flakes: Add them when you sauté the onion and garlic. - Hot sauce: Mix a few drops into the creamy sauce before serving. - Jalapeños: Chop fresh jalapeños and fold them in with the broccoli for a kick. Yes, this recipe is great for kids. Here are some benefits: - Nutritional value: Broccoli is high in vitamins and minerals. - Taste: The cheese makes it creamy and tasty, appealing to young eaters. - Kid-friendly tweaks: You can cut the broccoli into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rice. You learned the key ingredients to use, like jasmine rice and sharp cheddar cheese. We walked through step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and ways to make it your own. Remember, you can swap in different grains or add extra flavors. This dish is easy to store and reheat too. Enjoy making it again and again. Happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rice

A delicious and creamy rice dish loaded with broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions
 

  • Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being gummy.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed jasmine rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the broth has been absorbed.
  • While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and tender, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  • Once the rice is done, add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the mustard powder, mixing well. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If using, also add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
  • Finally, fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it is distributed evenly throughout the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat just to warm everything through.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, rice, vegetarian