Cheesy Rice Recipe
If you love cheesy comfort food, this cheesy rice recipe is a must-try! With just a 5 basic ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful side that everyone will rave about.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 341kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice rinsed well and drained
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon zero salt chicken bouillon or regular bouillon
- 1 teaspoon salt lower if using regular bouillon
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place rice in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water, covering the rice by a few inches. Gently stir the rice around. Carefully pour out the water, using your hand or a sieve to catch any escaping grains. Refill the bowl with fresh water and repeat the process 2-3 times until the water is mostly clear.
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the rice, 2 cups of water, milk, butter, and zero-salt chicken bouillon or bouillon cubes, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from the heat. Gently fluff with a fork.
- Fold shredded cheese into the rice just until it's combined. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
- Thickening Tips: As the rice comes to room temperature, it will thicken. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can either add additional liquid to the rice during the cooking process, or you can add a splash or milk, water, or broth to add hydration after it's been cooked.
- Switch Up the Cheese: You can use different cheeses for varied flavors—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy Pepper Jack will give this dish a new twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli florets, peas, or spinach to add a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
- Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter and cheese. You can also add more veggies to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.
- Add Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoning salt are some yummy flavor additions.
- Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a main course by adding cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a cheesy rice casserole.
- Add Garnishes: To the top of the rice, add parmesan cheese or sliced green onion for a final touch and extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. You can freeze leftover cheesy rice for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.Nutrition
Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 618IU | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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