Creamy Baked Rice is a simple, comforting side dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The creamy texture comes from the combination of butter, cream, and cheese, which makes it a perfect accompaniment to chicken, beef, or any main course. This dish bakes up golden and delicious with a soft, creamy center.
Here’s a recipe for Creamy Baked Rice:
Creamy Baked Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk for best texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Rice:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If using, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly. This step adds a little extra flavor to the rice.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
- Transfer the toasted rice to the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Pour this mixture over the rice, stirring gently to combine.
4. Bake the Rice:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the rice. If the rice looks too dry, add a bit more broth or water.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Serve:
- Once the rice is done, remove it from the oven and fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips for Success:
- Broth Option: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or chicken broth for a richer, meaty flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan adds a nice salty, umami flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different twist.
- Texture: For an extra creamy texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add in vegetables, like peas, carrots, or mushrooms, for a more filling dish.
Enjoy!
Creamy Baked Rice is a simple yet indulgent side dish that will become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. The creamy, cheesy rice is perfect for pairing with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even on its own for a comforting meal.