Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Cheesy Rice is a comforting side dish that combines tender rice with rich, melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with your favorite meals, adding a deliciously cheesy twist to plain rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 8 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ small onion, diced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain completely.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan with the onions. Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, then add the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Fluff the cheesy rice gently with a fork. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Substitute heavy cream for whole milk if you prefer an even richer texture.
• Try smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Replace fresh onion with 2 tablespoons of onion powder if you don’t have fresh available.
• Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for variation.
• For a lighter option, use olive oil instead of butter.

Storage

Store leftover creamy cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop 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 a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not ideal for this recipe. Using long grain white rice ensures the best texture and creaminess.

What can I do if my rice turns out too dry or hard?

If the rice is too dry, add a little more milk or broth when reheating and stir well to rehydrate and soften it. Ensuring the rice is fully covered with liquid during cooking helps prevent dryness.

Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

This Creamy Cheesy Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful side dish made with long grain white rice cooked in a mixture of chicken broth and whole milk, sautéed onions, and seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper. Finished with sharp cheddar cheese, it delivers a rich, creamy texture and a delightful cheesy flavor perfect for pairing with your favorite mains.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 8 ounces chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

Dairy and Fats

• 8 ounces whole milk (can substitute with heavy cream for richer texture)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (can substitute olive oil for lighter option)
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (can use Monterey Jack or cheese blend)

Vegetables and Spices

• ½ small onion, diced (or 2 tbsp onion powder if fresh is unavailable)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika also works)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set the sieve aside to drain completely.
2. Sauté onions in butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced ½ small onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add rice and liquids: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan with the onions. Pour in 8 ounces of chicken broth and 8 ounces of whole milk. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Incorporate the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 4 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese to the hot rice and stir gently to melt the cheese into the rice, creating a creamy texture.
6. Fluff and serve: Using a fork, fluff the cheesy rice to incorporate the melted cheese fully. Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite meals.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Can substitute whole milk with heavy cream for extra richness or olive oil for a lighter dish instead of butter.
• If fresh onion is unavailable, use 2 tablespoons of onion powder instead.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
• Smoked paprika can replace regular paprika for deeper flavor.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a comforting standalone meal.

Keywords: creamy cheesy rice, cheesy rice recipe, side dish, comfort food, stovetop rice, cheddar cheese rice, easy rice recipe