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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheese Integration: Gradually whisk shredded cheese into the simmering liquid, creating a silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon with velvety smoothness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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