Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe: A Family-Favorite Side Dish

Comfort arrives in a creamy bowl of homemade cheesy rice that melts hearts and satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Warm, golden cheese cascades over fluffy grains, creating a delectable symphony of flavors.

This simple yet irresistible dish brings nostalgia and warmth to any dinner table.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this effortless recipe that requires minimal ingredients.

Rich, velvety cheese binds each tender rice grain into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The combination of smooth cheese and perfectly cooked rice promises pure culinary bliss.

Dive into this comforting classic that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you won’t soon forget.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

Cheesy Rice Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, depth of flavor that forms the foundational taste of the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, warm note that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Milk: Creates a silky, smooth base for the cheese sauce, ensuring a luxurious texture.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Enhances the savory depth and adds subtle complexity to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, delivering a rich, tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that introduces a smoky, slightly spicy undertone.
• Cooked Rice: The hearty base that absorbs the cheesy sauce deliciously.
• Parsley, Bacon, Green Onions: Optional garnishes that provide fresh, crisp, or salty accents to the final dish.

What You’ll Use For Cheesy Rice Magic

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing aromatics and creating the cheese sauce, with enough space to mix ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, broth, and cheese for consistent results.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and chopping optional garnishes like parsley or green onions.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.

Steps To Make Cheesy Rice Creamy And Smooth

• Flavor Foundation

Warm a skillet and melt butter, transforming diced onions into golden, translucent jewels. Introduce minced garlic, letting its aromatic essence dance through the kitchen, releasing a tantalizing fragrance.

• Creamy Cheese Magic

Gently lower the heat and pour in milk and broth, creating a silky liquid canvas. Sprinkle shredded cheese gradually, stirring with care until a velvety, smooth sauce emerges, beckoning with promises of deliciousness.

• Rice Harmony

Fold cooked rice into the luxurious cheese embrace, ensuring every grain glistens with creamy goodness. Season with salt, pepper, and a whisper of smoked paprika for depth and complexity.

• Delightful Presentation

Slide the cheesy masterpiece into a welcoming serving dish. Crown with optional sprinkles of fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or vibrant green onions for a final flourish of color and texture. Serve immediately while warmth and comfort reign supreme.

Tips For Rich, Flavorful Cheesy Rice

• Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp directly into the cheese sauce for extra protein and flavor.
• Dietary Friendly Swap: Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and ensuring your cheese is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Serve Cheesy Rice With Just About Anything

• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this cheesy rice with roasted chicken or grilled fish to create a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Veggie Boost Option: Fold in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli to add nutrition and vibrant color to the creamy rice dish.
• Crispy Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy bacon bits on top for an irresistible textural contrast that adds delightful crunch to every bite.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reshape cold cheesy rice into small patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry for delicious rice cakes that breathe new life into your remaining dish.

How To Store Cheesy Rice So It Stays Cheesy

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Revive cold rice by adding a splash of milk or broth when warming in the microwave. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate into individual servings for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Freshness Protection: Cover surface with plastic wrap directly touching the rice to prevent dried-out edges and preserve moisture. This simple trick keeps your cheesy rice tasting just-made and delicious.

Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy rice brings comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Bold cheddar and tender grains combine for a satisfying meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
• 2 cups (470 ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Optional: Crumbled bacon

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its robust flavor without burning.
2. Liquid Preparation: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, pour in milk and broth, creating a creamy base that will transform the dish into a luxurious comfort meal.
3. Cheese Integration: Gradually whisk shredded cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon with velvety smoothness.
4. Rice Incorporation: Fold cooked rice into the cheese mixture, ensuring each grain becomes completely enrobed in the creamy sauce, distributing flavors evenly throughout the dish.
5. Seasoning and Finishing: Enhance the cheesy rice with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika, then transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional toppings like crisp bacon bits, fresh parsley, or green onion slices to add texture and visual appeal.
6. Serving: Present immediately while the cheese remains gloriously melted and the rice maintains its perfect, comforting warmth.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Control: Use room temperature butter for even melting and prevent burning, ensuring a smooth aromatic base for the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheese finely and add gradually while whisking to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess.
• Rice Preparation Tip: Use day-old rice or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and help grains maintain individual texture when mixing with cheese sauce.
• Dietary Modification: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use vegan cheese alternatives for plant-based dietary needs while maintaining similar creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg