Instant Cheddar Rice
Transform your weeknight meals with this quick and irresistibly creamy Instant Cheddar Rice! Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines tender, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with a rich and velvety sharp cheddar cheese sauce infused with hints of garlic powder and paprika for a subtle kick of flavor. With a handful of pantry staples like butter, milk, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs beautifully with chicken, grilled vegetables, or any main course. Whether you're searching for a comforting, cheesy rice recipe or a fast way to elevate your meal, this easy cheddar rice is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tightly fitting lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it gently with a fork.
In a separate small saucepan, add the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the cooked rice and gently mix until the rice is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish, and enjoy your creamy Instant Cheddar Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
293 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.9 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 526 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.5 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 340 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 99 mg | 2% | |
*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.
