Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender broccoli and sharp Cheddar cheese mixed with fluffy long-grain white rice. The recipe uses a stovetop cooking method followed by a broiler finish to melt and brown the cheese, making it a perfect quick and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 large head broccoli, stem coarsely chopped, florets cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 ounces grated sharp Cheddar (about 1 cup)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, thinly sliced garlic, and chopped broccoli stems. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add rice and water: Stir in the long-grain white rice and add 1¾ cups of water. Season with about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer rice: Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let the rice simmer for 10 minutes to begin cooking through.
- Add broccoli florets: Quickly scatter the broccoli florets over the partially cooked rice, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cover again. Continue to cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
- Rest the rice: Turn off the heat and let the covered skillet rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any remaining moisture to absorb.
- Broil with cheese: Position a rack near the broiler and preheat the broiler to high. Stir the broccoli and rice gently to combine, then evenly sprinkle the grated sharp Cheddar on top. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally drizzle with hot sauce before serving warm for a delicious and cheesy broccoli-cheddar rice dish.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven is essential for the broiling step.
- Do not overcook the broccoli to keep it bright green and slightly crisp.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted butter.
- Hot sauce adds a nice spicy kick but is optional.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli cheddar rice, one pot rice, skillet rice, cheese rice, easy side dish, stovetop rice, broccoli recipe
