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Quick Stovetop Cheesy Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy, fluffy cheesy rice topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
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You need a fast, creamy side dish that tastes like comfort food. This stovetop cheesy rice recipe uses simple ingredients like sharp cheddar and garlic to create a rich, satisfying side in under 30 minutes. It is the perfect pairing for chicken, steak, or any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  2. Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges of the grains look slightly translucent.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Add the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the remaining liquid.
  5. Remove the lid. Stir the rice gently with a fork to fluff it.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the rice. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the rice is creamy and well combined.
  7. Serve your easy cheesy rice immediately as a comforting side dish.

Notes

  • For extra richness, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese when adding the shredded cheese.
  • You can use pre-shredded cheese, but grating your own sharp cheddar melts smoother and prevents clumping.
  • This recipe works well with leftover cooked rice; skip steps 1 through 4 and proceed directly to step 5, heating the broth/milk mixture first before adding the cheese.

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Find it online: https://savorandpin.com/quick-stovetop-cheesy-rice-side-dish/