Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s all made in one pot! Melty parmesan cheese, fluffy rice, and tender bite-sized broccoli come together to make this quick and easy recipe an excellent addition to almost any meal — and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Plus, you don’t need any special equipment or exotic ingredients to make this cheesy Broccoli Rice, just a handful of grocery staples that you probably already have on hand! In just over half an hour, you can have hot, fragrant rice with broccoli ready to plate and serve for lunch or dinner.
Why You'll Love this Broccoli Rice
- Cheesy broccoli flavor. Broccoli and cheese are a classic combination that’s enjoyed by adults and kids alike. You’re not likely to get any complaints when you serve this cheesy broccoli rice — in fact, your family will probably request it from time to time!
- An all-occasion side dish. Broccoli, rice, and cheese pair well with just about everything — so you can call on this recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions! It’s especially helpful when you’re not sure what to make.
- Wholesome ingredients. There are certainly ready-made freezer aisle versions of this dish, but this homemade broccoli rice is better by far because of the fresh, wholesome ingredients and lack of preservatives and artificial flavors.
Ingredient Notes
To make this cheesy one pot Broccoli Rice, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- coconut oil - avocado oil or olive oil will also work.
- yellow onion - white onion or even red onion are okay to use if you don’t have yellow onion on hand.
- garlic - fresh garlic will be the most flavorful, but you can also use 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic for every clove called for in the recipe.
- long grain white rice - if you’re out of long grain white rice (such as Basmati rice or Jasmine rice), you can use short-grain rice or a long grain brown rice, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type you choose.
- vegetable broth - if you are not on a vegetarian diet, you can use chicken broth or even substitute with water if you are out.
- olive oil - you can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.
- broccoli - use fresh broccoli or frozen pre-cut florets if that’s more convenient for you.
- parmesan cheese - asiago cheese, pecorino romano, cheddar, or nutritional yeast flakes can all be swapped for the parmesan cheese in this recipe. Using nutritional yeast will make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- salt and pepper
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a cooking pot.
How to Make the Best Broccoli Rice
- Sauté aromatics. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer. Add rice and broth. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and let the rice simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add broccoli. Add olive oil, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted, stirring constantly.
- Season. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Make it extra cheesy. If you’re a big fan of cheese, you can take the cheesiness to the next level by transferring the broccoli rice to a casserole dish or deep baking pan and sprinkling it with extra cheese before popping it under the broiler for a few minutes to give it a bubbly, cheesy crust.
- Add a cooked protein for a one-dish dinner. You can kill two birds with one stone by adding bite-sized pieces of leftover chicken, ham, turkey, or other cooked protein to this dish a few moments before removing it from the heat to make a more filling dish!
- Give it a lemon flavor. Make lemon broccoli rice by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cooked rice and broccoli. You can also stir in some lemon zest for extra lemony flavor.
- Make curried broccoli rice. Add in some curry powder and cook the rice in coconut milk instead of broth.
How to Serve
This Broccoli Rice is delicious served on its own, or as a side dish to a main entree like grilled chicken, a fancy roast, or almost any kind of meatball.
Some of our favorite meaty dishes to serve with this are:
- Easy Baked Meatballs
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Salmon Bites
- Sunday Pot Roast
- Balsamic Chicken Kabobs
Incorporate this side into your usual dinner rotation and figure out your favorite combination of dishes!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cut the broccoli into the same size. Make sure your broccoli florets are about ½-inch in size. This will ensure even cooking and will also make eating easier since they are small and bite-sized.
- Meal prep for easy lunches. This broccoli rice stores well and reheats well. You can make it up to 4 days ahead for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Use leftovers creatively. Repurpose leftovers into something new and fun. Try a broccoli rice frittata by mixing the leftovers with beaten eggs, cheese, and any other leftover veggies or meats you have on hand. Pour the mixture into a hot, oiled pan and cook until set, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking. See our Vegetable Frittata recipe for tips.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Transfer cooled broccoli rice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the microwave on high in 10-second increments until heated through or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warm.
How to Freeze
Transfer the cheesy broccoli and rice into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
More Rice Recipes
- 30 Best Rice Recipes
- Coconut Rice
- Steamed Rice
- Vegetarian Fried Rice
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Pineapple Fried Rice
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Print
Broccoli Rice
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Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 3-4 servings
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Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s all made in one pot! Melty parmesan cheese, fluffy rice, and tender bite-sized broccoli come together to make this quick and easy recipe an excellent addition to almost any meal — and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add rice and broth. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and let the rice simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add olive oil, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Transfer cooled broccoli rice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
How to reheat: Reheat in the microwave on high in 10-second increments until heated through or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warm.
How to freeze: Transfer the cheesy broccoli and rice into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine:
