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It’s hard to beat this easy One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake…it’s a favorite with everyone! Kind of like broccoli cheddar soup meets cozy weeknight casserole. It’s well balanced, so darn easy, and so darn delicious. And the best part? This dish is all made entirely in one pot in under an hour. Grab some orzo pasta, plenty of herbs, and all the broccoli from the garden or market. Cook everything together on the stove, add sharp cheddar cheese, and finish it off in the oven to get crispy and crunchy on top. This one is simple but SO GOOD. The perfect weeknight family-style dinner to enjoy.
Welcoming Monday, and saying goodbye to August, with a dinner that’s going to make everyone happy. Who doesn’t love a little broccoli cheddar in their lives? It’s everyone’s favorite, right?
I think so, but then I’ve loved broccoli cheddar anything since I was a kid. I’ve said this before, but the Panera bread broccoli cheddar soup was my fall staple growing up. Especially on days that were rainy and dreary. Growing up in Cleveland we had many beautiful fall days. But they were also interspersed with a few drearier days as well. If you’re from northeastern Ohio then you know what I am talking about.
Anytime I was out with my mom and it was raining, I’d beg her to stop at Panera for lunch. It was a hard sell since back then we were always trying to save money, and eating out was a splurge for us. A household full of seven kids, five of them being hungry boys, means you spend your money wisely.
But I’d beg, and since my mom also loved a good bowl of Panera broccoli cheddar, I was usually able to talk her into it. The two of us, sometimes with the brothers – sometimes not, would sit and eat and tear those bread bowls apart. Comfort food to the T and we loved every bite. Though neither of us was ever able to actually finish our bowls.
The point is broccoli cheddar was our favorite, and really, it still is to this day. Which is apparent from the amount of broccoli cheddar focused recipes we’ve got here on HBH. In year’s past, I’ve shared broccoli cheddar soup (and many variations), broccoli cheddar mini pies, broccoli cheddar chicken and rice casserole, and probably others too. Love them all.
Today’s orzo bake/casserole is just another delicious addition to my collection of broccoli cheddar focused recipes…and shocker, it’s a favorite.
Broccoli Cheddar is great, amazing actually, but add orzo and herbs? Even better. Bake it all in one pot? Simply the best.
While it’s not anything crazy creative by any means, it’s crazy delicious and just the flavors I’m craving this time of year. It’s weird, Labor day is so late this year and it’s throwing me off a bit. My mind is still in summer since Labor Day hasn’t taken place yet. But the calendar (and our weather here) is telling me September is here.
So, I guess this is my summer meets early autumn bake.
This is another one skillet/one pot recipe, which means the process is pretty simple and straight forward.
I created this recipe start to finish in my Staub skillet, but you can use any large oven-safe pot or skillet you have. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the orzo to a baking dish once you’ve finished cooking.
Since I wanted to keep this similar to the flavors of broccoli cheddar soup, I also cooked up an onion with some mushrooms. Then add lots of orzo, broccoli, and fresh thyme. Pour in a little wine, some broth, add a few other things, and simmer until the orzo is al dente.
This process takes only a few minutes, so it’s a nice quick-cooking dinner.
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in a little milk to keep things creamy, then add all that cheese. I like to use a mix of sharp cheddar and a nutty, slightly salty, manchego cheese.
The next step is key. Bake the orzo for ten or so minutes to melt that cheese, Then switch the oven to broil and let the cheese start to bubble up. Just be sure to watch closely, the broiler works quick.
As soon as you pull this out from under the broiler, add fresh thyme and basil. And that’s it.
Pretty simple, quick, and easy, right?
The orzo stays creamy, but the cheese and broccoli pieces on top become crisp, and the edges even get a little crunchy too. Just delicious.
Loving this as an easy meatless Monday dinner that’s equally great any time of the week. If you wanted to add a bit more protein, you could certainly toss in some cubed chicken. That would be great too! Either way, the family is going to love this.
Bake it up tonight, but keep this one in mind for Labor Day gatherings. Perfect for bringing along as an easy meatless main dish or simple side.
Looking for easy weeknight back to school dinners Here are a few ideas:
Souper Creamy Lemon Butter Cheesy Zucchini Orzo
Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole
One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake
Lastly, if you make this one skillet cheesy broccoli cheddar orzo bake be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Great recipe! My 4 year old said he wasn’t going to try it, but when he finally did he loved it and asked for seconds! Great family friendly vegetarian recipes! Keep them coming!
Thank you so much Tyra! xTieghan
THIS IS SO GOOD! Toddler and adult-approved. We made it exactly as-written and wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for the great meals!
Thank you Lisa! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
YUM! I grew up in St. Louis, where Panera started (we still call it St. Louis Bread Co), and their broccoli cheddar soup on a rainy day was SUCH a treat! I had to try this immediately. Made this tonight and devoured it. We were recently gifted a bag of pepe pasta, so used that instead, and it was so adorable. I’ll try orzo next time though! Can’t wait to make it again. Thank you so much for your delicious and approachable recipes! You’ve been my go-to during quarantine!
Thank you Ali! I am really happy this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
HiTiegan,
Mad this for dinner tonight and it was superb. A real winner of a dish that I also think is going to be great left overs tomorrow. Thanks for another good one!
Bruce
Thank you so much Bruce! xTieghan
Turned out great! I like the small amount of heat from the cayenne! Will definitely make again. I may throw in some shredded chicken breast next time.
Thank you so much Alyse! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Loved this recipe! I love all things broccoli and cheddar so I was looking forward to making this, and it did not disappoint! It was so creamy and delicious. The cayenne pepper added just the right amount of heat. Thanks for a delicious recipe!
Thank you Tara!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made this last week…used only shredded sharp shredded cheese, snuck in some cauliflower and spinach along with the broccoli and topped it with sliced tomatoes based on another review and it was amazing. We all loved it and my girls ate their veggies.
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much for trying this one!! xTieghan
I followed the recipe and it was fine but really bland even with the cayenne.
Hi Amy! I am really sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can help with? xTieghan
Another excellent meal! I love the combo of the lemon, wine, vegetable broth and milk and cheese – they give it a delicious kick!!
Thank you so much Liz! xTieghan
This was easy and delicious! Definitely will make again and would consider adding chicken for protein! The hint of lemon zest was so good and added even more of a flavor profile.
Wow yes! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Robin!! xTieghan
I made this with all chicken broth and used half n half instead of milk and it was so good. Everyone was going back for seconds.
Thank you so much Michelle!! xTieghan
I am a huge fan. Have cooked many of your delicious recipes. This orzo recipe is it in either of your cookbooks. Thank you
Thank you so much Lauren! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I was so excited about this recipe. I followed the recipe exactly and it was so spicy I could not eat it. Literally. My husband loves spicy food and he was okay with it but didn’t love it. I ended up throwing most of it out. So disappointed. My first recipe from this site. Will stick with Ina!
Hi Janet! I am really sorry to hear that this did not turn out well for you. Is there anything I can help with? xTieghan
This recipe was absolutely amazing! I was not sure how everything would come together – although orzo, mushrooms wine and lemon are always a good combo – the cayenne and broccoli combo threw me for a loop but wow! I have yet to try a recipe from your site that I don’t like. 5 stars!
Thank you so much Erica! I am so glad you enjoyed this and have been loving other recipes of mine!! xTieghan
So so good, as usual. I did have to add more broth to help the orzo cook because the liquid evaporated and the orzo was still way under done. It was an easy fix and really delicious! We added some leftover smoked chicken with the broccoli and it was perfect. Great way to use leftovers!
Thank you so much Erika! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan