Crowd Pleasing Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

For Thanksgiving 2014, I decided to make 3 casseroles.  

Green Bean, Broccoli Rice, and Squash

I have only made broccoli rice casserole several times. I always search the internet and Pinterest to get ideas when I do not have a "go to" recipe. 

 I decided to use Paula Deen's Broccoli Casserole as my base then added a couple cups of rice to it.  

The challenge like the Green Bean Casserole is the amount I needed to make. 

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Topping

Crowd Pleasing Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 (10 3/4 ounces) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups crackers, crushed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• salt and pepper to taste

Extra Twist- Sauteed Mushrooms 

(if you want to "jazz" it up)

• 1 pkg fresh button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1/4 cup half n half

Directions

• Preheat oven 350 degrees
• Spray a large foil roasting pan with cooking spray
• Cook broccoli per the directions on package - set aside to cool
• Cook rice per the directions on the package - set aside to cool
• In the pan, combine broccoli, rice, mayo, cheese, soup, eggs (make sure the rice and broccoli are cool so the eggs do not scramble), and "extra twist" sauteed mushrooms
• Mix well - don't forget the salt and pepper 
• Top with crushed crackers and pour the melted butter evenly over the crackers
• Bake for 40-45 minutes

I prepared this the day before serving. I place saran wrap first on top of the casserole then wrapped the pan with heavy duty foil.  I used a black sharpie to write the cooking temperature and instructions on the outside of the foil.   

My Thanksgiving Menu

As you know, my Dad and Bev handle the turkeys so everyone else brings side dishes and desserts. My contribution this year:

Thanksgiving Eve

Addictive Corn Dip

Tortilla Rollups

Pumpkin Fudge

Thanksgiving Day

Tee's Corn Pudding

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cans (10 3/4 ounce each) Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 cans of cut green beans (I used Green Giant)

1 can (6 ounce) French's French Fried Onions ( 2 2/3 cups)

Directions:

Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3 quart casserole

Bake @ 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot. Stir.

Top with remaining onions. Bake 5 minutes more.