Description
A creamy, comforting cheesy rice dish made with long grain white rice cooked in chicken broth and whole milk, flavored with sautéed onions, paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice (not instant or brown)
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small onion, small diced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water to remove the surface starches. This step ensures the rice cooks up fluffy with separate grains rather than sticky or gummy.
- Sauté the Onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to lightly brown around the edges, releasing a sweet, savory aroma.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low, almost off. Let it cook quietly for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and gently stir the rice to fluff it with a fork, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy texture. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch which prevents the rice from becoming sticky or gummy.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking, as steam is needed to properly cook the rice.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- The cheese adds a rich creamy texture, feel free to use your favorite sharp cheese.
- Serve this as a side dish to grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a comfort food meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy rice, creamy rice, side dish, quick rice recipe, comfort food, cheddar cheese rice
