Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/creamy-cheesy-rice-recipe/
