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Simple Stovetop Cheesy Rice: Your Weeknight Solution

A white bowl filled with creamy cheesy rice topped with freshly shredded, slightly melted cheddar cheese.

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Make this creamy, cheesy rice on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. It is a simple, kid-friendly side dish that pairs well with chicken or beef.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds depth of flavor.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the cheese is completely melted and the rice is creamy.
  6. Stir in the salt and pepper. Serve your cheesy rice warm as a perfect side dish for any meal.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with milk.
  • If you want a casserole texture, transfer the finished rice to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.
  • This recipe works well with pre-cooked rice for an even faster meal; skip steps 1, 2, 3, and 4, and proceed to step 5 using 2 cups of cooked rice and 1 cup of broth/milk mixture.

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