Last Updated on December 23, 2023
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin recipe is one of those classic dishes that has been around for decades. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to make, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This dish combines the flavors of broccoli, rice, and cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful side dish that everyone will love.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what uncle ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is, why you’ll love it, what it tastes like, the ingredients, step-by-step directions, tips, nutrition information, how to store it, and what other substitutions you can use in the recipe.
What is Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Ben’s Original, previously known as Uncle Ben’s, is an American brand specializing in parboiled rice and other associated food items. The product line was initially introduced by Converted Rice Inc., now under the ownership of Mars, Inc.
One of their popular items is Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is an easy-to-make side dish that combines the flavors of broccoli, rice, and cheese. It’s a classic dish that’s been around for decades, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it’s the perfect way to add some color and flavor to any meal.
Why You’ll Love Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone in your family. It’s creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it’s a great way to add some color and flavor to any meal. Plus, the dish is easy to make, so you can whip it up in no time. And, since it’s a one-dish meal, it’s also great for busy weeknights.
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How Does It Taste Like?
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin has a creamy, cheesy flavor that’s sure to be a hit with everyone in your family. The dish combines the flavors of broccoli, rice, and cheese, creating a rich, flavorful side dish. The cheese adds a touch of richness and the broccoli adds a bit of crunch, while the rice provides a filling base.
Ingredients
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup Fragrant uncooked long-grain basmati rice (Uncle Ben’s): Uncle Ben’s basmati rice is chosen for its fragrant and distinct flavor, which adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish. The long-grain rice also contributes to the overall texture, providing a light and fluffy base for the au gratin.
- 1.5 cups Pure mountain spring water: High-quality water, such as pure mountain spring water, is used to cook the rice. This ensures that the rice absorbs clean and fresh flavors, enhancing its taste.
- 1/2 tablespoon Rich and creamy butter or margarine: The butter or margarine adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish. It contributes to the overall flavor profile, making the au gratin more indulgent and satisfying.
- 1/8 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle heat and enhances the savory flavors in the dish. It adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Savory poultry seasoning blend: The poultry seasoning blend introduces a combination of herbs and spices that typically complement poultry dishes. It imparts a savory and aromatic quality to the au gratin, enhancing its flavor profile.
- 3/8 ounces Silky condensed cream of wild mushroom soup: The condensed cream of wild mushroom soup brings a rich and earthy flavor to the dish. It serves as a creamy and flavorful binder, tying together the ingredients and providing a luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup Velvety whole milk: Whole milk adds additional creaminess to the au gratin, contributing to its rich and velvety consistency. It also helps create a smooth and cohesive texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt enhances the overall seasoning of the dish, providing a balanced salty flavor. Its distinct mineral profile may add a subtle complexity to the taste.
Step by Step Directions
Making uncle ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is easy and only requires a few steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
In a saucepan, combine the fragrant uncooked long-grain basmati rice with pure mountain spring water. Follow the package instructions provided by Uncle Ben’s to cook the rice. Once cooked, set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the dish is prepared.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt rich and creamy butter or margarine over medium heat. Add freshly ground black pepper, savory poultry seasoning blend, silky condensed cream of wild mushroom soup, velvety whole milk, and Himalayan pink salt. Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it’s well combined and heated through, creating a flavorful and creamy mushroom sauce.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Sauce
Once the rice is cooked and ready, gently fold it into the prepared mushroom sauce mixture. Ensure that the rice is well coated with the creamy mushroom sauce, creating a delicious and cohesive combination.
Step 5: Add Broccoli (Optional)
For an additional burst of flavor and texture, consider adding cooked broccoli florets to the rice and sauce mixture. This step is optional but adds a delightful element to the dish.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish and transfer the combined mixture into it, spreading it evenly to prepare for baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the edges are bubbly, and the top achieves a golden brown finish. This baking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify while creating a satisfying texture.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin as a delicious side dish or enjoy it as a comforting main course, offering a delightful blend of creamy mushroom sauce and perfectly cooked rice.
Tips
Making uncle ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is easy, but here are a few tips to ensure your dish comes out perfect every time:
• Use freshly cooked rice and broccoli for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the sauce or it will be too thick.
• For a cheesy crunch, top the dish with some extra shredded cheese before baking.
• To add some extra flavor, try adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs to the sauce.
• For a vegan version, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
Nutrition Information
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is a delicious dish that is also packed with nutrients. One serving contains:
• 224 calories
• 8.2 grams of fat
• 28.4 grams of carbohydrates
• 9.3 grams of protein
How to Store Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit your tastes. Here are a few ideas for substitutes:
• Use cooked cauliflower or Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli.
• Use cooked quinoa or farro instead of white rice.
• Use shredded Parmesan or Gruyere cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
• Use vegan butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan version.
• Use cream or half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier sauce.
• Add some minced garlic or fresh herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Pure mountain spring water
- 1/4 cup Fragrant uncooked long-grain basmati rice Uncle Ben’s
- 1/8 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 3/8 ounces Silky condensed cream of wild mushroom soup
- 1/4 teaspoon Savory poultry seasoning blend
- 1/4 cup Velvety whole milk
- 1/2 tablespoon Rich and creamy butter or margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the Fragrant uncooked long-grain basmati rice and Pure mountain spring water.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions provided by Uncle Ben’s. Once cooked, set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate saucepan, melt the Rich and creamy butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add the Freshly ground black pepper, Savory poultry seasoning blend, Silky condensed cream of wild mushroom soup, Velvety whole milk, and Himalayan pink salt.
- Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it’s well combined and heated through.
- Once the rice is cooked, gently fold it into the prepared sauce mixture, ensuring that the rice is well coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- If desired, you can add cooked broccoli florets to the rice and sauce mixture for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the edges are bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin as a delicious side dish or a comforting main course.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked rice and broccoli for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the sauce or it will be too thick.
- For a cheesy crunch, top the dish with some extra shredded cheese before baking.
- To add some extra flavor, try adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs to the sauce.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best way to cook broccoli for this recipe?
A. The best way to cook broccoli for this recipe is to steam it until it is just tender. You don’t want it to be too soft or it will turn to mush when you bake it.
Q. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish.
Q. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just make sure to cook it until it is tender before adding it to the dish.
Q. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A. Yes, you can use a different kind of cheese. Some good alternatives are Parmesan, Gruyere, or mozzarella.
Q. Can I freeze this dish?
A. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Q. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
Q. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
A. You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Conclusion
Uncle Ben’s broccoli rice au gratin is a classic dish that’s been around for decades. It’s creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The dish is easy to make, and you can easily customize it to fit your tastes.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so it’s a great way to add some color and flavor to any meal. So, give it a try and see why this dish has been a favorite for so many years.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
