Why You’ll Love Cheesy Rice Recipe
This cheesy rice recipe is incredibly easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients. It delivers a creamy, smooth texture and rich flavor without requiring complicated steps. It’s a versatile dish that works as a comforting side or a hearty base for adding vegetables or protein. Kids and adults alike love its mild, cheesy goodness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
long-grain white rice
butter
small onion, finely diced
chicken broth
milk
paprika
salt
black pepper
shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
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Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and improves texture.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
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Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
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Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure even steaming.
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Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
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Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
For a heartier version, stir in cooked shredded chicken or diced ham.
Add vegetables such as steamed broccoli, peas, carrots, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Gruyère to create a different flavor profile.
For a spicy twist, mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the rice in a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval and adding a small amount of liquid if needed.
Cheesy rice can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may become slightly softer after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Expect the total cook time to increase to about 40 to 45 minutes.
What is the best cheese to use?
Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully, but any good melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used.
Do I have to rinse the rice?
Rinsing is recommended because it removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Why is my rice still crunchy?
If the rice is undercooked, it may need a few more minutes of simmering. Add a small splash of liquid, cover, and continue cooking on low heat.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Keep the heat low once the mixture begins to simmer and make sure the lid fits tightly to trap steam properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat gently with a little added milk before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild cheesy flavor make it especially popular with children.
What main dishes pair well with cheesy rice?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, baked pork chops, roasted vegetables, meatloaf, or even as a side for holiday meals.
Conclusion
Cheesy rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, rich cheese flavor, and versatile nature make it a reliable favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Whether served as a side or dressed up with added ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
Cheesy Rice
Creamy, comforting cheesy rice made with tender white rice, butter, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese for an easy and flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions if not already prepared.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add butter and allow it to melt.
- Stir in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked rice and stir to combine evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use freshly cooked warm rice for the creamiest texture.
- Add a splash of milk if reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.
- Optional add-ins include steamed broccoli, cooked chicken, or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
