Easy Cheesy Rice
Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful, this Easy Cheesy Rice recipe is a quick and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender white rice simmered to perfection and mixed with rich sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a hint of garlic powder, this dish is indulgently cheesy yet incredibly easy to make. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the ultimate upgrade to plain rice, delivering a velvety texture with every spoonful. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and elegance, making it just as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment to chicken, steak, or veggies, this one-pot wonder is a guaranteed hit for all ages. Whether you're craving comfort food or need a simple yet satisfying side, Easy Cheesy Rice is here to save the day.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup milk
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and return the saucepan to low heat.
Stir in the butter until melted and evenly distributed.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the rice. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the rice is creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of additional milk to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Transfer the cheesy rice to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
891 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.8 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.6 g | 188% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 191 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 2087 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.5 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 933 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 299 mg | 6% | |
*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.
