Indulge in the comforting, creamy goodness of Cheesy Rice, a quick and easy side dish thatโs perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender long-grain white rice with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of whole milk for added creaminess. Enhanced with garlic powder, black pepper, and a hint of butter, every bite is bursting with savory flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pot wonder is ideal for feeding a crowd, and the optional sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Whether youโre looking for a kid-friendly dish or a crowd-pleasing accompaniment, Cheesy Rice is guaranteed to satisfy. Keywords: Cheesy Rice recipe, creamy rice side dish, easy comfort food, cheesy rice for dinner.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
When the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the milk and heat until it is warm but not boiling.
Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the cheese sauce.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked rice and gently fold until the rice is fully coated with the cheese mixture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the cheesy rice immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Calories |
1143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.5 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.4 g | 242% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 237 mg | 79% | |
| Sodium | 2648 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 53.8 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1450 mg | 112% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 403 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.