Description
This creamy and comforting Cheesy Rice recipe combines tender long-grain rice cooked in savory broth with rich cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced by garlic and onion powders. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal that’s warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, topped with optional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Dairy
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine and Boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the long-grain rice, broth, and butter. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains for a light texture.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Season: Taste and season the cheesy rice with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy rice warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of cream instead of milk.
- Leftover cheesy rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives can enhance the flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that the broth and seasonings contain no gluten additives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
