Introduction

Cheesy rice is a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for adding a cheesy twist to your meal. This recipe uses sharp cheddar for a rich flavor and cooks the rice tender and fluffy. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet delicious enough to serve guests.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with creamy cheesy rice. The dish has one main layer of soft, cooked rice mixed with melted cheese, giving it a smooth, thick texture with a yellow-orange color. There are small black pepper specks sprinkled on top, adding a bit of contrast. A metal fork is partially dipped into the rice on the left side of the bowl, resting inside the bowl with its handle out. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred pink and white cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup long grain white rice, not instant or brown
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ small onion, small diced
8 ounces chicken broth
8 ounces whole milk
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

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 or gummy.
Step 2: In a 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.
Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low (almost off). Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to keep steam trapped.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese gently and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add cooked vegetables like peas or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
If you prefer creamier rice, increase the milk to 12 ounces and stir more frequently during cooking.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy, soft risotto that has a thick, slightly lumpy texture. The risotto has mixed layers of white rice and melted yellow cheese, giving a marbled effect, sprinkled with small black pepper flakes on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork placed near the bottom left corner and a beige and red striped cloth partially visible in the top right background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

This recipe works best with long grain white rice for the right texture. Brown rice will take longer to cook and may require more liquid.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming sticky?

Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while it cooks.

Cheesy Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 136 reviews

This Cheesy Rice recipe is a creamy and comforting side dish featuring tender long grain white rice cooked in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and whole milk, then enriched with sharp cheddar cheese. Sautéed onions and a hint of paprika add depth and warmth, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main dishes.

Author: Elias
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 and Cooking Base

1 cup long grain white rice, not instant or brown
8 ounces chicken broth
8 ounces whole milk

Flavorings and Add-ins

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ small onion, small diced
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove surface starches. This step ensures the rice cooks fluffy with separate grains rather than sticky or gummy.
Sauté the Onion: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion lightly browns around the edges and becomes fragrant.
Add Ingredients and Simmer: Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low (almost off) to allow for gentle cooking.
Cook the Rice: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to avoid steam loss, which can extend the cooking time and cause the rice to dry out. The rice is done when tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and gently stir to incorporate the cheese, fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant or brown rice for this recipe.
Rinsing the rice removes surface starch and prevents gumminess.
Do not lift the pan lid during cooking to retain steam for even cooking.
Sharp cheddar cheese provides a strong, flavorful finish but you can experiment with other cheeses if desired.
This dish pairs well with grilled or roasted meats and vegetables.

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