Description
This Cheesy Rice is a creamy, comforting stovetop side dish made with simple pantry ingredients like rice, butter, onion, broth, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s mild, rich, and pairs easily with almost any main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
- Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to very low, cover with a lid, and cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- For best texture, avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to keep steam trapped inside.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Long grain white rice works best; brown rice will require additional time and liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
