Name: Grilled Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients: Wild Rice (cooked); 12 ounces Broccoli Florets; 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese; 2 cups Sour cream; 2 eggs; 1 tsp Salt; Avocado Oil Spray

Grilled broccoli casserole on a plate next to the casserole on a wood surface

This grilled broccoli casserole is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner with the family. It is meatless, gluten-free, and vegetarian and can be made in about 30 minutes with ordinary ingredients found in any kitchen

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It is an absolutely delicious side to accompany any meal. When you taste this recipe, you will want to make it again and again because it is so flavorful and easy to make!

I’m sure you will enjoy grilling them in this scrumptious casserole. Be sure to use the freshest possible broccoli you need for this dish because its flavor really does shine through.

What is a Casserole?

A casserole is a large dish that contains a combination of foods, typically baked or cooked in an oven. These dishes are usually made with an assortment of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and canned soup. Using fresh ingredients, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in less than an hour.

Grilled broccoli casserole in a glass casserole dish and on a wood surface

Do you have to cook the broccoli before putting it in a casserole?

No, cooking broccoli before adding it to a casserole is not necessary, but if you want your broccoli to stay green, slightly crispy, and not turn into a pile of mush, then it’s best to steam or boil the broccoli for a few minutes before adding it to your casserole.

You can also prepare the broccoli beforehand and allow it to cool before adding it to your casserole.

When using frozen broccoli for your casserole, It’s important to check the package instructions for preparing.

How do you thicken broccoli casserole?

This broccoli casserole recipe is already thickened with the sour cream and cheese. However, if you would like your casserole to be even thicker, there are a few ways to do it.

You can melt some butter in a small saucepan and whisk in a bit of flour. Slowly add milk to the mixture, stirring constantly until it becomes thick. This is known as a roux.

Once done, pour this mixture into your broccoli casserole dish before baking and you should have a thicker casserole.

a close up photo of Grilled broccoli casserole

Can I Substitute Frozen Broccoli in a Casserole?

Broccoli is a vegetable that can be frozen, and frozen broccoli is a great substitute for fresh broccoli in casseroles. If you are cooking frozen broccoli on its own, then it should be cooked by microwaving it for 3-4 minutes or boiling it for 5-8 minutes or according to the package directions.

It’s a misconception to think that fresh produce is always better than frozen. In this case, the opposite is true! Frozen vegetables are often more nutrient-dense due to being frozen at their peak ripeness; sometimes as soon as hours after harvesting.

Fruits and veggies handled quickly post-harvest will stay fresher too because of reduced exposure to oxygen which can hasten the spoiling process.

All frozen vegetables are a great substitute for fresh. Frozen broccoli is no exception to this rule, and frozen broccoli can be cooked in many different ways depending on what you are making with it.

If frozen broccoli isn’t being used as the main ingredient of your casserole recipe (i.e., if frozen broccoli will only serve as an additive), then microwaving or boiling frozen broccoli should do the trick just fine.

However, when cooking frozen broccoli that will act as the star attraction in your dish, make sure to follow all instructions carefully so that it cooks correctly!

Tips for Preparing Broccoli Casserole

Preheating your grill to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit will allow it to be ready to go once your ingredients are prepared so that your casserole only has to cook for about thirty minutes.

Using fresh broccoli for the broccoli and rice casserole would be best, but frozen works excellent too. If you are using fresh broccoli, make sure to wash it thoroughly.

Grilling Your Broccoli Casserole

Typically, casseroles are baked in an oven. However, this Broccoli Casserole is quite remarkable, as it is completely made on the grill!

By grilling this dish, you will save time since the grill cooks faster and does not take as long to heat up as an oven. You will also save money by grilling this entire meal because the oven tends to heat your home, making your air conditioner run more and making your utility bill more expensive.

Plus, when grilling your supper, you will have the entire oven free if you want to bake some sides and desserts to go with your meal, as there will be plenty of room!

While some may be content with eating grilled broccoli plain, this broccoli casserole has a flavor profile that cannot be topped.

Broccoli casserole is a dish that can be made with simple ingredients found in any grocery store. It’s also the perfect recipe for those on vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

This is the before casserole to make on busy evenings, as it takes just under 30 minutes to make. We really hope you enjoy this grilled cheesy broccoli casserole as much as we do!