Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 Servings
Source: www.dinneratthezoo.com
Category: Vegetable

Ingredients
2 cups Broccoli Florets
1 3⁄4 cup Rice (cooked)
1⁄4 cup Onion (diced)
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons Flour
1 cup Milk
1 1⁄2 cup Cheddar (shredded)
1 ounce Cream Cheese
1⁄2 teaspoon Salt
1⁄4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1⁄8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1⁄2 cup Ritz Crackers (crushed)
1 whole Green Onion (chopped)

Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 8"x8" pan with cooking spray. Place broccoli into a large bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk the milk into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Add the cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir until smooth.
  4. Place the broccoli and rice in a large bowl and stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, along with the crushed crackers.
  6. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.