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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Rice Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

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A rich, velvety creamy cheesy rice dish that is quick, easy, and perfect as a comforting side or main. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese for an indulgent texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or 2% milk if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ounces (56 g) cream cheese, softened
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir for 2-3 minutes until grains look translucent and slightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes to let the rice rest and fluff.
  7. Gently fold in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and softened cream cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Keep the lid on while cooking to avoid dry rice. Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Adjust liquid ratio slightly based on your stove and pot. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cheesy rice, comfort food, easy side dish, cheesy rice recipe, quick rice recipe, homemade comfort food