Cheesy Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cheesy-rice-recipe/
