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Bowl of creamy cheesy rice topped with herbs and cheese for comfort food.

Creamy Cheesy Rice

Creamy Cheesy Rice is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy delight.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain white rice Recommended for its ability to absorb flavors.
  • 8 ounces chicken broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 8 ounces whole milk Use heavy cream for extra creaminess.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ small onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a medium-sized pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Add the long grain white rice to the pan and toast for about 2–3 minutes, stirring consistently.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, covering the pan, and cooking until the rice is tender and absorbs the liquid (approximately 18–20 minutes).
  • After the rice is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow it to heat through for a couple of minutes.
  • Finally, mix in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Notes

Creamy Cheesy Rice can be served on its own, paired with salads, or alongside grilled meats. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for 1–2 months without cheese for best results.
Keyword Cheesy Rice, Comfort Food, Creamy Cheesy Rice, Easy Meals, Rice Recipe