Broccoli Cheddar Rice ~
Easy stovetop side dish with tender rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese.
Serve with BBQ Tofu for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simple yet satisfying.
This post was updated on March 14, 2025.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Rice is a quick and easy side dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a much better alternative to pre-packaged rice mixes and can be whipped up in no time.
I like this recipe because it brings all the comforting flavors of a traditional cheesy broccoli rice casserole but without the extra steps or baking. It’s simple to make with just a few simple ingredients and is a great way to enjoy a satisfying, cheesy side dish in under 30 minutes.
For a heartier option, you can easily make it a main course by adding a can of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans or stirring in some crispy baked tofu just before serving. This recipe is versatile, making it a go-to for busy weeknights that call for easy dinners. It’s a great way to get fresh vegetables into your meal while keeping it simple and delicious.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken-style broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Style Broth: I use vegan chicken broth for its rich, savory flavor, but an equal amount of vegetable broth can be used as an alternative. If using vegetable broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning, as it can be a bit milder.
- Cheddar Cheese: Both regular and dairy-free cheddar work well in this recipe. I used mild cheddar for a creamy, subtle flavor, but sharp cheddar cheese can be swapped in if you prefer a stronger, tangier taste or monterey jack for a milder cheese.
- Long Grain Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe, but you can also substitute with another type of rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the dish the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness to the dish, but if you prefer a lighter option, vegetable oil or another neutral oil can be used instead.
How to Make this Recipe Vegan 🌱
- For a vegan Broccoli Cheddar Rice, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheddar cheese. Swap in vegetable or vegan chicken-style broth for a savory base. These simple switches keep the dish creamy and full of flavor, while staying completely plant-based!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Rice
STEP ONE: Sauté the Onion and Garlic. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
STEP TWO: Toast the Rice. Stir in the rice and black pepper, coating it with the oil. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted.
STEP THREE: Cook the Rice. Pour in the chicken-style broth and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes without stirring.
STEP FOUR: Add the Broccoli. Gently stir in the broccoli, cover, and cook for another 6 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green and cooked through.
STEP FIVE: Add the Cheese and Serve. Stir in the cheddar cheese and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted. Serve hot.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While this cheddar broccoli rice is best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance by cooking the rice and sautéing the veggies. Store everything separately in the fridge, then combine and heat with the cheese when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes! Brown rice works well in this recipe, but it will need a longer cooking time, about 40-45 minutes. You will also need to add an additional 1/2 cup of broth.
More Rice Side Dishes You’ll Love!
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Broccoli Cheddar Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken-style broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and black pepper, coating it with the oil. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken-style broth and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 12 minutes without stirring.
- Gently stir in the broccoli, cover, and cook for another 6 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green and cooked through.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted. Serve hot.
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