Description
Cheesy Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender long-grain white rice cooked in buttery broth and blended with sharp cheddar cheese and milk for a creamy texture. Perfect for family meals and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water or broth, butter, and salt to create the base for the rice cooking.
- Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to let the rice steam and set.
- Fluff Rice: Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains and release steam.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder if using, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is completely melted and the rice is creamy and evenly combined.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cheesy rice hot as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite mains.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Add cooked vegetables or diced cooked chicken to make the dish heartier and more substantial.
- This recipe works well with leftover rice — just heat it with a splash of milk before adding the cheese.
