When you want a comforting, cheesy side that feels like a warm hug on your plate, nothing beats Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes that combines fluffy jasmine rice with sharp white cheddar and buttery richness, all baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is a reliable crowd pleaser that pairs beautifully with countless mains while bringing its own cozy, cheesy charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish. Each item plays a specific role, from the fluffy texture of jasmine rice to the depth of flavor in the chicken stock, and the sharp kick of freshly grated cheddar.
- 1 ½ cups dry jasmine rice: Rinsed until water runs clear to ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- 24 ounces chicken stock: Provides rich, savory flavor that infuses the rice deeply.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance the richness.
- 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese: Freshly grated to melt evenly and give a bold cheesy taste.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Thinly sliced to melt on top, adding silky richness and helping create a beautiful golden crust.
How to Make Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish or one of similar size with nonstick spray. This ensures your cheesy rice won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Rinse and Combine Ingredients
Rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear — this step is key for fluffy results. Transfer the rice to your prepared baking dish and pour in the chicken stock, which brings savory richness right into every bite. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sprinkle over the freshly grated sharp white cheddar. Give everything a quick, gentle stir to evenly distribute the cheese and seasoning.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cover
Next, scatter the thin slices of unsalted butter evenly atop the rice mixture. The butter will melt beautifully during baking, creating a sumptuous flavor and golden finish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock moisture in, which helps cook the rice perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes with the foil on, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and soften. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and bake uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step lets the top turn delightfully golden and gives you that irresistible baked cheesy crust.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once baked, the rice should be tender and fluffy with a rich, cheesy aroma filling your kitchen. Give it a gentle fluff with a fork, then serve warm straight from the dish and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top to add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy cheese. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also introduce a smoky undertone that elevates this delicious comfort classic.
Side Dishes
This baked cheesy rice pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, steak, or pork. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter, yet satisfying meal. Because it’s so versatile, it can complement virtually any main course you can dream up.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider spooning the cheesy rice into individual ramekins to serve as charming single portions for guests. You can also bake it in mini muffin tins for bite-sized cheesy rice cups – perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before the last bake can also create an even cheesier crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cheesy rice (though you might not!), transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld over time, making reheated portions taste even better.
Freezing
Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe freezes well, making it super convenient for busy days. Cool the rice completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to retain creaminess without drying out. If microwaving, add a splash of chicken stock or water, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. In the oven, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses for a different taste profile. Just make sure to use cheese that melts well.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Yes, rinsing jasmine rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and ensures a light, fluffy texture in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a delicious, cheesy vegetarian side.
What if I don’t have a 9×9 inch baking dish?
A baking dish with a similar size or volume will work just fine. The key is to maintain the same depth so that rice cooks evenly.
How long does this dish take to prep and cook?
The preparation is quick—just about 10 minutes to rinse and assemble. Then it bakes for approximately 1 hour in total, making it a mostly hands-off recipe while you prepare other parts of your meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe – simple ingredients that come together to create extraordinary comfort food. It’s cheesy, luscious, and effortless, making it a go-to staple that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved dish in your own kitchen!
PrintOur Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe
This baked cheesy rice dish is an incredibly easy and delicious side that pairs well with almost any main course. Featuring jasmine rice cooked in flavorful chicken stock with sharp white cheddar cheese and butter, it is a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing staple that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rice and Liquid
- 1 ½ cups dry jasmine rice, rinsed
- 24 ounces chicken stock
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Butter
- 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffier rice after baking.
- Combine ingredients: Place the rinsed rice into the prepared baking dish, pour in the chicken stock, and season lightly with kosher salt and pepper. Sprinkle the freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese evenly over the rice, then gently stir to combine everything.
- Add butter and cover: Distribute the thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the stock and begin cooking through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the top turns slightly golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked through and browned to your liking, remove from oven and serve warm as a delicious cheesy side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice ensures excess starch is removed for fluffier texture.
- Use freshly grated sharp white cheddar for best flavor and melt quality.
- Covering with foil traps steam critical for even cooking.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for the rice to become tender and top to brown.
- This dish pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, poultry, or vegetables.
