Cheesy Rice

Transform your weeknight dinner into a comforting delight with this irresistible Cheesy Rice recipe, a creamy blend of fluffy long-grain white rice and a luscious two-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a side dish (or main!) that strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Enhanced with a splash of whole milk, a pat of butter, and a hint of garlic powder, each bite bursts with savory goodness. This easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect as a standalone dish or a versatile accompaniment to roasted chicken or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget the optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish! Perfect for those searching for rich, satisfying comfort food, this cheesy rice is sure to become a family favorite.

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 unsalted butter
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

When the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 5

Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Step 6

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the milk and heat until it is warm but not boiling.

Step 7

Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 8

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked rice and gently fold until the rice is fully coated with the cheese mixture.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve the cheesy rice immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(987.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1142.9

Total Fat 76.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 236.6mg	0%
Sodium 2647.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.0g
Protein 53.8g	0%

Vitamin D 77.7IU	0%
Calcium 1450.3mg	0%
Iron 3.5mg	0%
Potassium 402.6mg	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: 58.8%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 22.9%