Cheesy Broccoli Bake

When you can’t get your kids to eat broccoli just add cheese 🙂 This gluten-free cheesy broccoli bake can be a vegetarian side dish (the original recipe does not include any meat) or make it a main dish by adding any meat of your choice. Our favorite version includes pre-pulled rotisserie chicken and chopped bacon pieces.

From Scratch!

Before going gluten-free I used to love Better Homes & Garden cheesy broccoli bake recipe but it calls for cream of mushroom soup, which is not usually gluten free. You can get it gluten-free, I’ve found it at New Seasons, but it’s just not the same. Plus, my kids don’t really like mushrooms so I decided to try something new, no cans, no mushrooms. This recipe is quick and easy and the kids loved it!

Preheat oven 350*F

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
• 1 lb cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces, optional (pre-pulled rotisserie is our favorite)
• 2 cups cooked rice (cooking instructions)
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped, optional

For the Sauce

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 Tbsp gluten-free flour (Mama’s is our favorite)
• 1/8 tsp xanthan gum (if using not using an all purpose flour)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3 Tbsp cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the butter and sauté the onion on medium-low heat until softened and translucent. Add in the flour, xanthan gum, garlic powder and pepper and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the milk while whisking over medium heat until think and bubbly.
4. Remove from heat and add the dry mustard, paprika, cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
5. Place broccoli in boiling water for about 2 minutes. You’ll want it to still be slightly crisp because it will continue cooking in the oven.
6. If you are adding chicken, warm it for a couple minutes, I usually use the broccoli pot to reduce the amount of dishes used.
7. If you’re adding bacon you can either stir it in with the chicken mixture or sprinkle on top of the cheese, both in the next step.
8. Stir together rice, broccoli, chicken and cheese sauce then pour into a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350*F for 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is lightly browned. Enjoy!