Cheesy Rice Recipe
This Cheesy Rice recipe combines tender long grain white rice cooked in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth and milk, enriched with sautéed onions, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
- 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
Rice Base
- 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small onion (small diced)
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Add your rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove surface starches. This step is crucial to cook fluffy rice with separate grains and avoid gumminess.
- Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until it starts to lightly brown around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes, releasing its sweetness and aroma.
- Add Ingredients and Simmer: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Covered on Low Heat: Once simmering, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low (almost off). Refer to your rice package for exact cooking times—typically about 18 to 20 minutes for white rice. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep steam inside for proper cooking.
- Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check that the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The grains should be fluffy and not gummy.
- Add Cheese and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and gently stir to combine. Fluff the cheesy rice with a fork to incorporate the cheese evenly, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing rice is key to prevent sticky, gummy textures. Do not skip this step.
- Use whole milk for creaminess; milk alternatives may change texture and flavor.
- Sharp cheddar delivers a rich, tangy flavor; feel free to use your favorite cheese blend.
- Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam and ensure fluffy rice.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of milk.
Keywords: cheesy rice, creamy rice, side dish, comfort food, cheddar cheese rice, stovetop rice recipe
Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/cheesy-rice-recipe/
