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Ultimate Cheesy Rice: Easy Creamy Side Dish for Weeknights

A close-up of a serving of creamy cheesy rice mixed with melted cheese and topped with shredded cheddar and fresh parsley.
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This recipe delivers the ultimate cheesy rice—creamy, gooey, and deeply satisfying. It is a quick, family-favorite side dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the butter mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the cubed cream cheese until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the rice is gooey and creamy.
  7. Serve this ultimate comfort rice immediately as a side dish or a main meal.

Notes

  • For a potluck friendly rice recipe, you can assemble the dish through step 4, cover, and refrigerate. Before serving, reheat gently on the stove or bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, then stir in the cheeses.
  • Customize this cheesy side dish for chicken by adding 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken during the final cheese stirring step.
  • If you prefer a baked rice casserole, transfer the cooked rice mixture (before adding cheese) to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/easy-creamy-cheesy-rice-recipe/