Broccoli Rice Casserole

 If you're looking for a side dish that is creamy and cheesy and delicious you HAVE to try this broccoli rice casserole.  I did pretty much the whole thing in one pot and it was SO SO SO GOOD!

What You'll Need...

- 4 cups broccoli, cut into bite size pieces

- 3 cups cooked white rice

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup flour

- 2 1/4 cup whole milk

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

- 1/4 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic posder

- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

- salt and pepper

What You'll Do...

1) Fill a large pot with water an bring it to a boil.  Add in the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes and then transfer it to an ice bath.  

2) Heat butter in a medium saucepan.  Add in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring the whole time.

3) Add the milk and spices to the butter/flour and allow it to come to a simmer, stirring constantly.  Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

4) Take the pot off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, the parmesan cheese and the cream cheese.  Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper.

5) Add in the cooked rice, blanched broccoli and pour into a greased 9x13 or cook it directly in the dutch oven you prepared the sauce in. 

6) Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

If you try this I'd love to hear what you think!!!

HAPPY Thursday, friends!