Cheesy Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/cheesy-rice-recipe/
