Even the classics can stand a revamp once in a while and that’s the case with this cheesy broccoli rice- made with brown rice instead of white rice. And there’s no more classic dish than cheesy broccoli rice!

Not only does brown rice offer more fiber than white rice, it also has more nutrients overall and fewer calories per serving. All these traits make it an ideal replacement for white rice, especially in a dish like this one where the nutty flavor of brown rice is combined with lots of other yummy ingredients.

To get this dish started sauté some chopped onions and garlic and then mix in the brown rice. The flavors of onion and garlic cook into the rice, making for an extra-tasty dish.

Then add in your water. If you want to add even more flavor you can use broth instead- the choice is up to you.

Once the rice is mostly cooked add in your fresh broccoli. In a pinch you can use frozen, too.

Once the broccoli is fully cooked remove from the heat and add in your 2 types of cheese. Using both cheddar and parmesan gives this dish more complexity and a layered flavor that will will have everyone asking for seconds- even if they don’t normally like brown rice.

This simple swap gives this dish more flavor and more health benefits- I’d call that a win-win!