Cheesy Rice Recipe

Introduction

This cheesy rice recipe is a comforting side dish that combines tender rice with rich cheddar cheese and a hint of paprika. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion, small diced
• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold water to remove surface starches. This helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from becoming sticky.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, almost off.
4. Step 4: Cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep steam trapped and prevent drying out.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently and fluff the rice with a fork before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or finely chopped herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky taste.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not recommended to substitute directly in this recipe without adjustments.

What if I don’t have sharp cheddar cheese?

You can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend, but the flavor may be milder.

Cheesy Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 64 reviews

This Cheesy Rice recipe offers a creamy, flavorful side dish featuring fluffy long grain white rice cooked with butter, onion, chicken broth, whole milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect to accompany a variety of meals.

• Author: Mila
• 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 1x2x3x

Rice and Base

• 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 small onion, small diced

Liquid and Seasoning

• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cheese

• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Use a fine mesh sieve to rinse the rice under cold water to remove surface starches. This ensures that the rice cooks up fluffy and prevents it from becoming sticky or gummy.
2. Sauté onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges start lightly browning, enhancing the flavor base.
3. Add ingredients and combine: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low (almost off). Let cook for 18 to 20 minutes, avoiding lifting the lid to retain steam and ensure proper cooking.
5. Finish with cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently and fluff the rice with a fork to combine. Serve the cheesy rice warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice is key to achieving fluffy, non-sticky grains.
• Do not lift the lid while cooking to keep the steam in and avoid drying out the rice.
• You can substitute whole milk for 2% milk for a lighter dish, but whole milk adds a creamier texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents that may affect melting.

Keywords: cheesy rice, cheddar rice, creamy rice side dish, cheesy side dish, stovetop rice recipe