Cheesy Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that adds a creamy, cheesy twist to simple rice. With tender grains infused with butter, onion, and sharp cheddar, it’s an easy recipe that pairs well with many meals.

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 ensures the rice cooks fluffy and prevents it from becoming sticky or gummy.
2. Step 2: In a medium 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, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, almost off. Let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam inside and ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese gently and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Try mixing in cooked peas or finely chopped spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Using a sharp white cheddar will give a tangier, more pronounced cheese flavor.
• If you prefer creamier rice, add a splash more milk after cooking and stir well.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or water 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 has a different cooking time and may require more liquid. If you want to use brown rice, increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly, but note the texture and flavor will be different.

What can I do if my rice turns out too dry?

If the rice seems dry after cooking, stir in a small amount of warm milk or broth to moisten it. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the added liquid.

Cheesy Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

This Cheesy Rice recipe is a creamy and comforting side dish featuring fluffy long grain rice cooked in a rich blend of chicken broth and whole milk, seasoned with paprika and topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, it’s an easy-to-make, flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

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

Ingredients

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Rice and Liquids

• 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk

Flavorings

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion, small diced
• 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 it thoroughly under cold water to remove surface starch. This step ensures that the rice cooks up fluffy with separate grains rather than sticky or gummy.
2. Sauté the Onion: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to lightly brown around the edges, developing a sweet, savory base flavor.
3. Add Ingredients and Simmer: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Rice: Once simmering, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low—almost off. Let the rice cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Resist lifting the lid during this time, as it can alter cooking results and dry out the rice.
5. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and gently stir to combine and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm as a delicious, cheesy side dish.

Notes

• Use long grain white rice for best fluffiness; avoid instant or brown rice unless adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch to prevent gummy texture.
• Do not lift the lid while cooking to maintain steam and proper cooking temperature.
• Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tang and richness, but you can substitute with your favorite cheese.

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