Cheesy Rice (Easy Creamy Side Dish)

Creamy cheesy rice with melted cheddar, parsley, black pepper, and butter served in a rustic bowl.

This Cheesy Rice is creamy, comforting, and full of rich cheddar flavor. It’s an easy side dish that comes together with simple ingredients and pairs well with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or just about any family dinner.

Because the rice cooks until tender and then gets finished with butter, milk, and plenty of cheese, every bite is soft, creamy, and satisfying. Best of all, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for a Sunday dinner or holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this recipe is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients. In addition, it’s versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of main dishes.

The cheddar gives the rice plenty of flavor, while the butter and milk make it creamy without turning it into a heavy casserole. As a result, it works especially well as a quick everyday side dish.

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Cheesy Rice Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

First, add the rice, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a medium saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Next, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

2. Let the Rice Rest

Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Then, keep it covered and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and helps create a softer texture.

3. Add the Creamy Ingredients

After the rice has rested, fluff it gently with a fork.

Next, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the milk.

Return the pan to low heat if needed.

4. Add the Cheese

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the rice looks creamy.

If you’re using Parmesan, stir it in at this point as well.

5. Finish and Serve

Finally, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Rice

Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients, so it may not melt as smoothly.

Keep the heat low. Once you add the cheese, low heat helps keep the sauce creamy.

Don’t over-stir the rice. Instead, stir gently so the grains stay tender without becoming gummy.

Add milk gradually. If you prefer thicker cheesy rice, start with a little less milk. On the other hand, if you want it extra creamy, add a splash more.

Use chicken broth instead of water. This adds more flavor from the very beginning.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rice

Try it with:

Million Dollar Chicken
Southern Smothered Chicken
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Romano

Variations

Broccoli Cheddar Rice

Stir in cooked chopped broccoli before adding the cheese. Then, add a little extra cheddar for a classic broccoli-cheese flavor.

Spicy Cheesy Rice

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños. Alternatively, stir in a little hot sauce before serving.

Bacon Cheddar Rice

Fold in cooked crumbled bacon after the cheese has melted.

Garlic Parmesan Rice

Reduce the cheddar slightly and add more Parmesan. In addition, add an extra pinch of garlic powder.

Mexican Cheesy Rice

Add taco seasoning, diced green chiles, and Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex version.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk before warming. This helps loosen the rice and brings back the creamy texture.

You can reheat it in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.

FAQ for Cheesy Rice

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice works very well because it stays fluffy while still absorbing plenty of flavor. However, jasmine rice can also work if you prefer a softer texture.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Therefore, follow the package directions for the rice and adjust the broth as needed.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, although freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. However, the rice will thicken as it sits. For that reason, add a little milk when reheating.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

Yes. Still, chicken broth gives the rice more flavor, so I recommend it if you have some available.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Serve this Cheesy Rice with my Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken

for an easy, creamy dinner that comes together beautifully.

It also pairs perfectly with my Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a quick, hearty dinner.