Broccoli rice casserole is a delicious and hearty side dish that goes great with many different main courses. When trying to determine what to serve alongside this flavorful bake, it’s important to think about dishes that will complement the flavors and textures. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for side dishes, main courses, appetizers and desserts that pair wonderfully with broccoli rice casserole.
Complementary Side Dishes
Here are some tasty side dishes that make perfect complements to broccoli rice casserole:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips or cauliflower make an ideal side to serve with broccoli rice casserole. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in veggies that pairs nicely with the flavors of broccoli and cheese. Sauteed kale or spinach would also make a nice companion.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, garlicky bread is always a crowd-pleaser. The savory and aromatic flavors of fresh baked bread or breadsticks dusted with garlic and parsley enhance the experience of eating broccoli rice casserole. Cheese bread or focaccia work nicely too.
Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the broccoli rice casserole. Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions give a refreshing crunch. Salads with fruit like strawberries or mandarin oranges also pair well.
Herbed Quinoa
Fluffy, protein-rich quinoa tossed with fresh herbs like parsley, dill or basil makes an easy and healthy side for broccoli rice casserole. The complementary flavors and mix of textures is very satisfying.
Main Course Options
Broccoli rice casserole can be served as a main dish, but also pairs wonderfully with these protein-based mains:
Baked Chicken
Chicken thighs or breasts baked with lemon, garlic and herbs offer a simple and classic pairing for broccoli rice casserole. The juicy chicken and savory casserole combo is very comforting.
Pork Tenderloin
An herbed, baked pork tenderloin served alongside the broccoli casserole provides a hearty low-carb option for dinner. Other pork entree ideas are pork chops, ham or sausage.
Meatloaf
For the ultimate comfort food meal, try serving sliced homemade meatloaf with broccoli rice casserole. The flavors and textures pair up nicely together.
Turkey Breast
Sliced, roasted turkey breast makes an excellent match for broccoli rice casserole. Leftover sliced turkey after the holidays would also be a great pairing.
Pot Roast
Falling-apart tender pot roast served with broccoli rice casserole on the side is a wonderfully hearty, homestyle meal. The bold flavors complement each other perfectly.
Appetizer Ideas
If serving broccoli rice casserole as part of a larger spread, these appetizers would make great additions to the table:
Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory, cheesy stuffed mushrooms offer a nice textural contrast from the soft casserole. Fill them with a mix of cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic and fresh herbs.
Meatballs
Bite-sized, oven baked meatballs are an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer. Make them in a flavorful sauce like barbecue, sweet chili or Swedish style.
Fruit and Cheese Board
Offering an assortment of cubed cheeses, grapes, berries, nuts and crackers allows guests to nibble and socialize before the main meal. The varied flavors complement the casserole.
Bruschetta
Toasted slices of French bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and cheese provide a fresh and flavorful starter. Balsamic glaze can be drizzled over the top too.
Dessert Pairings
End your meal on a sweet note by serving broccoli rice casserole with:
Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies make the perfect dessert after broccoli rice casserole. The sweet, chocolatey flavors are an ideal contrast to the savory casserole.
Apple Crisp
Warm apple crisp is a classic comfort food dessert. The tender apples and oat crumb topping provide the perfect bit of sweetness after broccoli rice casserole.
Cheesecake
Smooth, creamy cheesecake is a crowd favorite. Top it with fruit compote or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor pairing that complements the main dish beautifully.
Pumpkin Pie
Spiced pumpkin pie with a flaky crust helps round out a meal featuring broccoli rice casserole wonderfully, especially in the fall and winter months when pumpkins are in season.
Creative Beverage Pairings
Drink options like wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages can also complement broccoli rice casserole on your menu. Consider serving:
White Wine
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would match nicely with broccoli rice casserole. The acidity helps cut through the richness.
Rosé Wine
A fruit-forward rosé wine has enough sweetness to pair with the broccoli casserole but maintains acidity to keep the pairing balanced.
Pale Ale
An easy-drinking pale ale provides a refreshing balance when enjoying broccoli rice casserole. The slight hoppy bitterness cuts through the creaminess.
Gin and Tonic
This bubbly, botanical cocktail made with gin, tonic water and lime makes a nice aperitif before digging into broccoli rice casserole for dinner.
Iced Tea
For an alcohol-free option, brew up a pitcher of refreshing iced tea. The touch of sweetness plays well with the casserole.
Putting It All Together
When planning a menu featuring broccoli rice casserole as the star side, here’s a full meal lineup for you to consider:
Sample Menu
| Appetizer | Main Course | Side Dish | Dessert | Beverage Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuffed mushrooms | Herb roasted pork tenderloin | Broccoli rice casserole | Pumpkin pie | Pinot Grigio wine |
This sample menu incorporates stuffed mushroom appetizers, pork tenderloin entree, broccoli rice casserole side, pumpkin pie for dessert and a light white wine to drink. All the components complement each other beautifully.
Broccoli rice casserole is such a versatile dish that it can be incorporated into a wide variety of meals. Follow these suggestions for complementary items to serve and you’re sure to have a delicious, well-rounded meal that makes the broccoli rice casserole shine as the star side dish.