Cheesy Rice
Experience the ultimate comfort with this incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying Cheesy Rice recipe. Featuring fluffy long-grain rice infused with savory chicken broth, creamy whole milk, and a generous melty embrace of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish transforms everyday rice into an extraordinary side. It's an effortless weeknight hero that promises a rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor in every spoonful.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- An ultimate comfort food experience that's rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
- Incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect, quick side dish for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses.
- Features a luxurious, melty texture and savory cheddar flavor that appeals to all ages.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 185g (1 cup) long grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine (do not use instant or brown rice for this recipe)
- 42g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1/2 small white or yellow onion, finely diced (about 60g)
- 240ml (8 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
- 240ml (8 ounces) whole milk (or 2% milk for a slightly lighter option)
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) sweet paprika
- 1.25ml (1/4 teaspoon) fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1.25ml (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 115g (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Add your long grain white rice to a fine mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess surface starches, which helps the rice cook up beautifully fluffy with distinct individual grains, preventing it from becoming sticky or gummy.
- In a medium saucepan (with a tight-fitting lid) set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is shimmering, add the finely diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and lightly brown around the edges, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This process sweetens the onion and builds a flavorful base for the rice.
- Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan with the cooked onions. Stir everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed at the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately cover the pan with its tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting (almost off).
- Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice grains are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. It is absolutely essential to resist the urge to lift the lid repeatedly during this cooking process; each time you lift the lid, precious steam escapes, which can significantly elongate cooking time and dry out the rice.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat, keeping the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes; this allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the rice and ensures a perfect, fluffy texture. After resting, remove the lid, add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the rice, and gently stir and fluff the rice with a fork until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Serve warm immediately.
Tools You’ll Need
- Fine mesh sieve
- Medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Box grater (if not using pre-grated cheese)
- Fork
Essential Success Tips
- Rinse Your Rice Properly: Do not skip the rinsing step. It's crucial for achieving fluffy, separate grains rather than a sticky, gummy result.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Once the lid is on, leave it on! Lifting it releases steam and heat, which interrupts the cooking process and can lead to unevenly cooked or dry rice.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them less melty and sometimes give a slightly gritty texture. Freshly grated cheddar melts much more smoothly.
- Allow for Rest Time: After cooking, let the rice rest off the heat for 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the steam to redistribute and finish cooking the grains perfectly, leading to a more tender texture.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your rice before serving. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference and the saltiness of your chicken broth.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Bloom Your Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, after the onions are tender, toast the paprika in the hot butter for about 30 seconds before adding the rice and liquids. This helps to 'bloom' the spice, releasing its full aromatic potential.
- Build Umami with Cheese Rind: If you have a parmesan rind, add it to the pot with the liquids during cooking. Remove it before fluffing. It will infuse the rice with incredible umami depth without overpowering the cheddar flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese Blends: While sharp cheddar is classic, consider a blend with a touch of Gruyère for nuttiness, or a hint of smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex smoky note.
Notes
- Rice Type Matters: This recipe is specifically designed for long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine). Instant rice will cook too quickly and become mushy, and brown rice requires different liquid ratios and cooking times.
- Storage: Leftover cheesy rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Variations: Feel free to stir in finely chopped fresh chives or parsley after fluffing for a burst of freshness. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the paprika.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, absolutely! Vegetable broth can be easily substituted for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
My rice turned out a bit dry; what went wrong?
The most common reason for dry rice is lifting the lid too often during cooking, which allows steam to escape. Ensure your lid is tight-fitting and resist the urge to peek. Also, confirm your heat was on the lowest setting after simmering.
Can I add other vegetables to this cheesy rice?
While this recipe focuses on simplicity, you can certainly add finely diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onion until tender before adding the rice and liquids for best results.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 380-420 per serving, Protein: 12-15g, Fat: 18-22g, Carbohydrates: 40-45g.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. This dish is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free chicken broth. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk alternative and a dairy-free cheese alternative, noting that the texture and flavor may vary.
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