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Baked Cheesy Rice

Baked Cheesy Rice - Quick Delicious Meals

Baked cheesy rice is more than just a side dish. It’s a family favorite, a potluck star, and an easy weeknight meal solution. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve experimented with countless recipes. This one takes the cake—or should I say, the rice? 
Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness with fluffy rice results in a dish so comforting, you'll be tempted to eat it straight from the baking dish.
So, what exactly is this baked cheesy rice? Let’s dive deeper.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 454
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 ounces aged white cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into thin pats
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice, thoroughly rinsed
  • 24 ounces homemade chicken broth
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the dish to start cooking as soon as you pop it in.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
  1. Grease a medium-sized baking dish with a little butter. This prevents sticking and aids in browning the top nicely.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced shallots and cook until they become translucent, usually about 2-3 minutes. Here’s where the magic begins.
Step 4: Add the Rice
  1. Stir the rinsed jasmine rice into the skillet, allowing it to toast slightly and absorb some buttery flavor. Cook the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Transfer the toasted rice mixture into the greased baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until the rice is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Butter
  1. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the rice. Dot the surface with the remaining pats of butter. This ensures a wonderfully golden and bubbly top.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After this, remove the foil, add the remaining cheese on top, and allow it to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Once done, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps with the cheesy stretch factor, and who doesn’t love a little cheese pull?

Notes

  • Rinse Your Rice: This removes excess starch and keeps the texture fluffy rather than gummy.
  • Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses. A splash of mozzarella can add creaminess, while parmesan gives a salty kick.
  • Don’t Skip the Shallots: They’re small but mighty. Shallots enhance flavor without overpowering.
  • Cover the Dish When Baking: This helps to steam the rice and ensures even cooking.
  • Check for Doneness: Make sure the rice is tender before serving. If it's too firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven with the foil on.