Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
Cheesy orzo bake: master this incredibly easy one-skillet recipe in under 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup roughly chopped mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 2-3 minutes.
- Add the butter, orzo, broccoli, and thyme, and cook until golden and toasted, 5 minutes. Add the wine and broth. Simmer 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring often.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the 1/2 cup of the cheddar. If needed, transfer the orzo to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar overtop of the casserole.
- Transfer to the oven and bake 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Switch the oven to broil and broil 1-2 minutes, until the cheese on top is becoming crispy. Serve warm with fresh thyme.
Notes
- For an extra crispy cheese topping, ensure the oven rack is close to the broiler element and watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If you don't have white wine, simply substitute with extra vegetable broth; the flavor will still be fantastic.
- This orzo bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If you don't have white wine, simply substitute with extra vegetable broth; the flavor will still be fantastic.
- This orzo bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.