Cheddar Rice

Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this creamy, cheesy Cheddar Rice recipe—an irresistibly flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Made with tender long-grain white rice, a hint of sautéed garlic, and a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is rich, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to prepare. The addition of whole milk creates a luxuriously creamy texture, while a dash of salt and black pepper balances the flavors perfectly. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe makes an ideal weeknight side, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone indulgence. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color, and enjoy every spoonful of this cheesy, garlicky delight! Keywords: cheddar rice recipe, cheese-infused rice, easy rice side dish, creamy cheddar rice.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes or until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Step 5

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Add the sautéed garlic and melted butter to the rice, stirring well to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and fold in the grated cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the cheese is fully melted and evenly coats the rice.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 8

Transfer the cheddar rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm as a comforting side dish to your favorite proteins or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1008.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1212.6

Total Fat 81.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 260.4mg	0%
Sodium 2471.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.2g
Protein 52.1g	0%

Vitamin D 94.2IU	0%
Calcium 1419.3mg	0%
Iron 3.9mg	0%
Potassium 473.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 22.9%