Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find that the cheese on top is browning too quickly before the rice is fully cooked, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time.

This traps the steam and helps the rice cook more evenly. Once the rice is tender, remove the foil to allow the cheese topping to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

For added flavor, you can stir a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder into the cheese sauce before pouring it over the rice.

While the recipe is delicious as is, these simple additions can elevate the savory profile of the dish. Remember to season your rice lightly with salt before adding the other ingredients if your cheese sauce is low in sodium.

Variations

• Spicy Ham and Rice Bake: Add a tablespoon of chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce before pouring it over the rice for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Medley Bake: Incorporate diced bell peppers or carrots along with the broccoli to add more color and texture to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in portions for up to 1 month; thaw completely before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or use a microwave-safe dish for individual portions.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Ensure the dish cools down to room temperature within two hours of baking before placing it into the refrigerator.

When properly stored, it will remain fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions, which makes for a convenient and quick meal later on.

You can prepare the base of the dish ahead of time by layering the rice, ham, and broccoli in the baking dish. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When you are ready to cook, simply add the cheese sauce and the shredded cheese, then bake as directed. This is a great way to save time on busy days.

Serving ideas

This rice bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some steamed green beans on the side.

The richness of the cheese sauce is balanced well by the crisp, fresh flavors of a side salad with a light vinaigrette. Serving it directly from the baking dish adds a rustic, inviting touch to your dinner table.

Because the dish is quite hearty, smaller portions are often sufficient. If you are serving a larger crowd, consider offering a variety of side dishes, such as crusty bread or roasted vegetables, to round out the meal. The leftovers also reheat very well, making this a practical choice for meal planning during the week.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Bake

Prep 10 minCook 45 minRest 5 minTotal 1 hServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large rectangular ceramic baking dish, spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom. Add the diced ham and the broccoli florets, arranging them to ensure an even distribution throughout the dish.
2. Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the rice, ham, and broccoli mixture. Use a spoon if necessary to ensure the sauce covers the rice completely. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish to create a golden crust during baking.
3. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.