Cheesy Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy rice is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines tender, fluffy rice with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with your favorite 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 starch. This will help keep the rice fluffy and prevent it from becoming sticky or gummy.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to lightly brown around the edges.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, almost off.
4. Step 4: Let it cook gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently as this lets steam escape and can prolong cooking time or dry out the rice.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently, fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a clove of minced garlic to the butter and onion when cooking.
• Substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese twist.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or more milk after cooking.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stove 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, so it is not recommended to substitute it directly in this recipe without adjustment. For best results, stick with long grain white rice.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese to make a vegan version of this cheesy rice.

Cheesy Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

This Cheesy Rice recipe features perfectly cooked long grain white rice simmered in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth and whole milk, infused with paprika and sautéed onions, then finished with sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting side dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of meals.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Liquids

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

Other Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion (small diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water to remove the surface starches. This step ensures the rice cooks up fluffy with separate grains rather than sticky or gummy.
2. Sauté the onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to lightly brown around the edges, releasing a sweet, savory aroma.
3. Add rice and liquids: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low, almost off. Let it cook quietly for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
5. Finish with cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and gently stir the rice to fluff it with a fork, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy texture. Serve warm.

Notes

• Do not lift the lid during cooking to prevent steam loss and uneven cooking.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor impact and melting quality.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Using whole milk helps achieve a creamier texture; you can substitute with 2% milk but the dish will be slightly less rich.
• Rinsing rice is critical for fluffiness. Skip if you want a stickier consistency.

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