If you’re searching for a side dish that’s the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Rice! This beloved classic is rich, creamy, and bursting with sharp cheddar flavor—you’ll have everyone at the table requesting seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture: A luscious blend of butter, milk, and sharp cheddar transforms humble rice into a bowl of pure richness.
- Quick & Easy: 25 minutes from start to finish—made entirely on the stovetop, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner cravings.
- Kid & Crowd Friendly: Cheesy Rice is universally loved, making it a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a whole crowd at a potluck.
- Versatile Pairing: This cozy side dish plays well with everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies—or enjoy it as a meal in itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Rice is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each one really earns its place. With just a few kitchen staples, you’re on your way to a side dish that packs so much flavor, a touch of creaminess, and that signature golden color.
- Long grain white rice: Stick to classic long grain for the fluffiest texture—avoid instant rice or brown rice here for best results.
- Unsalted butter: Adds depth and helps the onions caramelize; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
- Onion: A small dice melts into the rice and brings subtle sweetness and savoriness.
- Chicken broth: Infuses your Cheesy Rice with a savory, full-bodied flavor—vegetable broth works too!
- Whole milk: For that luxuriously creamy finish that makes every bite irresistible.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and inviting hue without overpowering the cheese.
- Salt & pepper: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Go for freshly grated if you can—the melt is next-level and that tangy bite is honestly unbeatable.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on Cheesy Rice! This dish is wonderfully flexible, so you can tailor it to whatever’s in your fridge or suit specific tastes and dietary needs.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last few minutes for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for even more ooey-gooey melting magic.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth with zero loss of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
How to Make Cheesy Rice
Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice
Place your rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water. This simple step helps remove extra starch, ensuring your Cheesy Rice stays fluffy and never gummy—a little patience here means a much better final texture!
Step 2: Sauté Onion in Butter
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your onion and cook until it’s just beginning to caramelize—look for light browning at the edges. The butter and onion together create the rich, savory backbone that makes this dish sing.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice with Liquids and Spices
Add your rinsed rice straight to the pan, followed by chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a stir and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, cover the pan, turn the heat down very low, and resist the temptation to peek—the steam does all the magic here!
Step 4: Cook and Fluff
Let the rice cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Take the pan off the heat, add in your shredded cheese, and gently fluff and stir the rice with a fork so the cheddar melts right in. The result? Perfectly creamy, cheesy grains in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Rice
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your Cheesy Rice less creamy—freshly grated melts more beautifully and delivers the boldest flavor.
- No-Peeking Rule: Try your best not to lift the lid while the rice is cooking, as escaping steam can lengthen cooking time and affect the rice’s tenderness.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Once covered, reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible. This keeps the milk from scorching and ensures even, gentle cooking for perfectly tender grains.
- Fluff, Don’t Stir: When adding cheese, use a gentle hand and fluff with a fork—this keeps your Cheesy Rice light and prevents clumping.
How to Serve Cheesy Rice
Garnishes
Brighten up your Cheesy Rice with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of extra cheddar, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. These little touches add appealing color and a subtle boost of flavor, making your bowl even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Rice is the kind of side that goes with just about anything! Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled sausages, crispy tofu, or as a hearty base for veggie stir fries. It also makes a fabulous companion to simple steamed green beans or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, scoop portions of Cheesy Rice into individual ramekins and finish with an extra cheese topping under the broiler for a few minutes. Or use it as the base for a “burrito bowl,” topping with beans, salsa, and avocado for a meal that’s bursting with color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cheesy Rice cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it super convenient for easy lunches or quick dinner sides.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheesy Rice for up to 2 months—just place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. It’s handy to portion it out for individual servings before freezing, so you can grab just what you need later on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy Rice gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through for the dreamiest, cheesiest results.
FAQs
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Cheesy Rice?
Brown rice has a much longer cooking time and absorbs liquid differently, so it’s not a straight swap. If you’d like to use brown rice, you’ll need to adjust both the liquid and simmering time—expect a heartier, slightly nuttier result, but you may lose a bit of that creamy texture typical of classic Cheesy Rice.
-
Can I make Cheesy Rice ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add a splash of milk and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, stirring occasionally until perfectly creamy again.
-
What cheese works best for Cheesy Rice?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and gorgeous melt, but you can experiment with blends like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra depth. Freshly grated cheese always melts smoother than pre-shredded.
-
How do I keep my Cheesy Rice from getting mushy?
Be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking, avoid lifting the lid while it simmers, and fluff (don’t stir vigorously) after adding the cheese. Using the right rice and simmering gently are the best ways to preserve those lovely, individual grains.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Cheesy Rice has a special place in cozy weeknight dinners and potlucks alike—it’s simple, irresistible, and full of joy. Give this easy recipe a try, and I know it’ll become a go-to favorite in your home, too. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Print
Cheesy Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Rice recipe is a comforting and creamy dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. With fluffy long-grain rice cooked in a flavorful blend of chicken broth, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small onion, small diced
Seasonings and Cheese
- 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
- Rinse the Rice: Add the rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse to remove surface starches.
- Sauté Onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Rice: Add rice, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps achieve a fluffy texture.
- Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to prevent steam from escaping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
