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Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the stock and begin cooking through.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/our-favorite-baked-cheesy-rice-recipe/