Creole Baked Cheese Rice

Dive into bold Southern flavors with this Creole Baked Cheese Rice, a hearty and irresistible side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender long-grain white rice simmered in savory chicken broth, this dish is layered with a vibrant medley of sautéed Creole “holy trinity” vegetables—onion, green bell pepper, and celery—infused with minced garlic, juicy diced tomatoes, and a kick of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper. Topped with a decadent combination of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella cheeses, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a bubbly, cheesy crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready in just one hour, this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe is an ideal crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it hot as a show-stopping accompaniment to your favorite mains.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
• 1 medium (diced) green bell pepper
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) parsley
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, the vegetable mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, then pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Top the rice mixture with the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2233.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2119.7

Total Fat 136.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.2g
Cholesterol 388.3mg	0%
Sodium 7194.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.2g	0%
Total Sugars 29.1g
Protein 107.1g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 2879.1mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 3056.2mg	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: 56.9%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 23.1%