Cheesy Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Rice is a comforting side dish that combines tender, fluffy rice with rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion, small diced
• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold water to remove surface starches. This step helps the rice cook up fluffy with separate grains.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to lightly brown around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
4. Step 4: Cook the rice according to the package instructions, usually about 18-20 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam trapped inside.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Try adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
• Use a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different cheesy texture.
• To make the dish creamier, stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese along with the cheddar.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, increase the broth and milk and cook according to the brown rice package instructions.

What if I don’t have sharp cheddar cheese?

You can use any cheese you have on hand, but sharper cheeses like aged cheddar give the best flavor balance. Mild cheeses will create a creamier, less tangy dish.

Cheesy Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Cheesy Rice recipe is a comforting and creamy side dish featuring long grain white rice cooked gently with butter, sautéed onions, chicken broth, and milk, then finished with sharp cheddar cheese for rich flavor. Perfectly fluffy and cheesy, it’s an easy and delicious addition to any meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Rice and Base

• 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion, small diced
• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cheese

• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove surface starches. This step ensures the rice cooks fluffy with separate grains instead of turning sticky or gummy.
2. Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and cook until it just starts to brown around the edges, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, releasing a sweet aroma.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine all flavors evenly in the pan.
4. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low (almost off). Maintain this low temperature to allow the rice to cook slowly and absorb all the liquid.
5. Cook Until Tender: Following the package direction for cooking times (usually 18-20 minutes for white rice), let the rice cook covered without lifting the lid to prevent steam from escaping. The rice is done when tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in Cheese and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, gently stirring it into the hot rice until melted and creamy. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute the cheese.
7. Serve Warm: Transfer the cheesy rice to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a flavorful side dish to complement your meal.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice helps achieve fluffy, separate grains rather than sticky rice.
• Use a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to retain steam during cooking.
• Do not lift the lid while cooking to keep rice moist and properly cooked.
• Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tang and melts well; you can substitute with your preferred cheese.
• This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens.

Keywords: cheesy rice, cheesy side dish, creamy rice, cheddar rice, stovetop rice, easy rice recipe