Cheesy Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/cheesy-rice-recipe/
