Best Creamy Baked Rice Dish Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Meals Recipe

Introduction

This creamy baked rice dish is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender rice with a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite add-ins, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or chives)
• Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables
• Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the milk and broth, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently over low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and fold in two-thirds of the shredded cheese until it begins to melt. If using, add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables now.
5. Step 5: Spread the rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and, if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch.
6. Step 6: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the baked rice rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Try mixing in different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top before serving to brighten the dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for the crunchy topping if desired.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time and a firmer texture, so it’s best to cook it separately before baking or adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender within the baking process.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and cheese with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese. Use olive oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter for a fully dairy-free version.

Best Creamy Baked Rice Dish Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Meals Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Best Creamy Baked Rice Dish is the ultimate comfort meal featuring tender rice cooked in a rich blend of milk and broth, enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and melted cheese. Topped with a golden crust of cheese and optional breadcrumbs, it’s a hearty, creamy casserole perfect for cozy dinners and customizable with your favorite add-ins like chicken or vegetables.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Creamy Base

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons butter

For Flavor and Texture

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or chives)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup cooked chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Rice Mixture: Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the aromatics. Pour in the whole milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Fold in two-thirds of the shredded cheese until it begins to melt into the creamy rice mixture.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the creamy rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and, if desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve: Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or other fresh herbs on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes to set the texture before serving.

Notes

• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and improve texture.
• Customize with cooked chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables to make it heartier.
• For a crunchier topping, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
• Use your favorite cheese blend to vary the flavor profile.

Keywords: creamy baked rice, comfort food, cheesy rice casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked rice dish