Best Creamy Baked Rice Dish Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Meals Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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
