Easy cheesy broccoli rice – the perfect gluten free comfort food. Whip this up for a tasty lunch!
Yum! A bowl of cheesy broccoli rice. Doesn’t that sound so good right now? And it’s so easy to make, and it’s super comforting on a freezing cold day.
This dish has a special place in my heart because when I was in college I would often make these little packets of cheesy broccoli rice for a quick dinner. Maybe not the healthiest, but I felt it was better than boxed macaroni and cheese, because…broccoli. Even though it was tiny little freeze-dried pieces, it was in there! ;)
You can make this cheesy broccoli rice with any type of rice. This time I made it with short grain brown rice, and it does take longer to cook. If you are in a hurry, you might want to go with regular white or brown rice. Of course I made it with dairy free cheddar cheese, but if you are not on a dairy free diet, use normal cheddar cheese.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 2 cups Daiya shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets chopped small
- 2 Tablespoons vegan buttery spread
- 1 Tablespoons gluten free flour blend or regular flour
- ½ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Cook the rice of your choice according to package directions.
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When the rice is almost done, steam the broccoli for just a few minutes until it is tender but still bright green.
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Add the buttery spread, cheese, and milk to the rice. Sprinkle the gluten free flour on top. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
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Add the broccoli and salt and pepper. Stir. Serve immediately.
There! A healthier version of my college comfort food.
What quick meals did you eat when you were in college?
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Lori
Wait, dairy free cheese exists!!! Where can you buy it???
Kelly
Yes, it does! I love Daiya brand dairy free cheese, and you can get it at Whole Foods, Kroger, or other natural food stores.
Kim @ 2justByou
Hi Kelly!
It’s been a long time since I’ve commented, but I hope you know I do still visit fairly often. ;)
A family member just found our her son needs to go gluten and lactose-free, so I pointed them in your direction!
I’m wondering if you have a larger list of allergy-friendly ingredients? In many of your recipes you’re so great at listing specifics, but I went to your ingredients resource page, and I noticed it didn’t include some things, like the Daiya cheeses.
As always, thanks for another amazing recipe!!!
Kim
Kelly
Hi Kim, Thanks for stopping by again! I do have a few different posts that may help: http://theprettybee.com/2014/05/easy-substitutions-for-vegan-wheat-free-baking.html and http://theprettybee.com/2014/12/products-free-top-8-allergens.html
I hope those help!
I do need to add some more products to the Resources page, thank you for the reminder!
Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven
I’m sitting here right now freezing my tail off and TOTALLY wishing a huge bowl of this comfort would appear in front of my face. Love this rice, Kelly!
Kelly
Thanks, Sarah!
Mindy
Looks wonderful, rich and creamy.
Kelly
Thanks, Mindy!
keriz213
This looks fantastic! I love anything with broccoli and cheese. Can’t wait to try this!
Kelly
Thank you! I hope you love it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
This dish looks perfect, Kelly! It reminds me of a chicken casserole that my dad used to make when I was little. And I love how easy this is to whip up, too!
Kelly
Thanks, Gayle! Chicken would be a nice addition!
She Likes Food @ She Likes Food
This looks like the perfect lunch for the cold day we are having here today! I never think to cook broccoli rice and cheese together and now I am wondering why! I’m also impressed with how melty and delicious that diaya cheese looks :)
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
What is it about brocolli and cheese? So good together. I love melty, cheesy rice dishes like this : )
Caitlin
Yummy! I love a good cheesy broccoli casserole. My college staple was Annie’s Mac and cheese. And since we didn’t have a kitchen in the dorms, I would make it in my portable water boiler thing. My tea started tasting a little weird after, but it was worth it!
Julia
I was just wondering to myself what I was going to eat for lunch! I have a head of broccoli and everything else I need for this recipe so I certainly can make this beautiful vision a reality! Thanks for the inspiration!
energywebring
A family favorite!! Looks a lot better without the fried onions on top :D