Cheesy Rice is the creamy, cozy shortcut side dish that turns a handful of simple ingredients into pure comfort food. Made with instant rice, broth, cheese, and sour cream, it is an easy side dish that goes with just about everything.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Cheesy cheddar flavor in every creamy and savory bite.
- Difficulty: The perfect beginner recipe, make it in just one pot on the stovetop.
- Technique: Cooking instant rice with broth gives this dish a risotto-like homemade flavor, but with a quick cooking time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve it up with chicken, pork, burgers, or meatloaf. Tastes great with roasted or steamed broccoli mixed in, too!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Broth: Boiling the rice with chicken broth gives this dish so much savory flavor, it’s almost like an “instant” risotto without all the stirring. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Instant Rice: Instant rice softens quickly for a quick cook time. If you use regular long-grain rice, you will need a different amount of broth, and it will take longer to cook.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than bagged cheese. Velveeta can be used if you prefer it.
- Sour Cream: Balances out the cheese with its creamy tang. Plain Greek yogurt can be swapped in.
Variations
Broccoli Cheesy Rice: Stir in some steamed or thawed frozen broccoli just after the rice softens.
Chicken Cheesy Rice: Add cooked, shredded chicken or chopped rotisserie chicken and steamed vegetables to turn it into a complete meal.
Spicy Cheesy Rice: Add a pinch of cayenne, diced green chiles, or diced jalapenos, or use a spicy monterey jack cheese.
Extra Creamy Rice: Use Velveeta cheese and mix in an extra spoonful of sour cream.
Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, some sliced green onions, or bacon bits can be added on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Rice
- In a medium pot, boil broth with butter.
- While still boiling, remove from heat and stir in rice.
- Cover and simmer, taking care not to lift the lid until the rice is tender.
- Stir in cheese, sour cream, and pepper. (Full recipe below.)
Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze cheesy rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Stir gently and add a little extra liquid if needed.
Leftovers are great served with diced ham mixed in, or stir in some steamed peas, spinach, sauteed mushrooms, or other veggies for a quick and tasty lunch.
Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Sides
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Cheesy Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups *instant rice
- 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese or velveeta
- ¼ cup sour cream
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring broth and butter to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the rice, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Once the rice has softened, mix in the cheese, sour cream, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and mixed in. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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