Patrick Oconnell
Cheese and rice is a combination that works. It can be a great snack, a comforting side dish, or even a meal in itself. There are many ways to prepare cheese and rice, from a basic stovetop recipe to a more complicated risotto or cheese casserole with vegetables and other ingredients. The best rice for this dish is Arborio, as it becomes creamy when cooked, but there are many types of rice that can be used, including long- or short-grain, and white, brown, or basmati rice. Similarly, there are many types of cheese that can be used, but a mild cheese like mozzarella might get lost in the flavour of the rice. Good choices include sharp cheddar, aged gouda, and blue cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cheese good on rice? | Yes, it is a delicious combination and can be served as a side dish or a snack. |
| Types of cheese that can be used | Sharp cheddar, aged gouda, blue cheese, mozzarella, monterey jack, gruyere, or pepper jack cheese |
| Types of rice that can be used | Long- or short-grain, white, brown, or basmati rice |
| Additional ingredients | Onions, garlic, vegetables (steamed broccoli florets, peas, spinach), meat, butter, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, salsa, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce |
| Cooking methods | Stovetop, oven-baked, risotto, cheese casserole |
| Cooking time | 18-20 minutes for white rice, 45 minutes for brown rice |
| Leftovers | Cheesy rice will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheese and rice is a tasty combination
Cheese and rice is indeed a tasty combination, and there are many ways to prepare it. The best rice for this dish is Arborio, as it becomes creamy when cooked. However, any type of rice can be used, including long- or short-grain, white, brown, or basmati rice.
When it comes to cheese, freshly grated melty cheese works best. Good choices include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, aged gouda, blue cheese, or pepper jack cheese. Pre-grated cheeses can often have an undesirable texture when melted due to anti-clumping powders. To prepare the dish, start by rinsing the rice to remove surface starches, which will help it cook up fluffy. Then, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare any additional ingredients you want to include. Onions, garlic, and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas are all popular additions. Meat can also be added, such as shredded chicken or pork. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the cheese until it melts. You can then add your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, or hot sauce.
For a simple stovetop recipe, follow the steps above and serve the cheesy rice as a side dish or snack. If you're looking for something more complex, you can try making a risotto or a cheese casserole with vegetables and other ingredients. Alternatively, you can bake the dish by mixing all the ingredients in a greased baking dish and baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted, which takes around 20 minutes.
Cheese and IVF: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Best cheeses for rice
Cheese and rice are a great combination, and you can experiment with different types of cheese, vegetables, and seasonings to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some of the best cheeses to pair with rice:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese has a strong, sharp flavour that pairs well with rice. It melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
- Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack cheese is a mild and creamy cheese that melts well. It is a good choice for those who prefer a less intense cheese flavour.
- Gruyere: Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet flavour. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture to the rice.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Pepper Jack has a spicy kick that can add some heat to your cheesy rice. It melts well and is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra spice.
- Mozzarella: While some people may find plain rice with mozzarella a bit bland, this cheese works well when combined with other ingredients. Try adding vegetables, beans, or meats to create a more flavourful dish.
- Muenster: A slice of Muenster cheese on a bowl of chicken fried rice can be a delicious combination.
When making cheesy rice, it is recommended to grate the cheese fresh from a block to achieve a smoother and creamier texture. Pre-grated cheeses may have anti-clumping powders that can make the melted cheese grainy. Additionally, using whole milk or adding a splash of milk can enhance the creaminess of the dish.
Cheese and Heart Health: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
How to cook cheese rice
Cheese rice is a comforting, creamy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It is easy to make and only requires a handful of simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious cheese rice:
Ingredients:
- Long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- Cheese (sharp) cheddar, monterey jack, gruyere, or pepper jack
- Butter (unsalted)
- Milk (whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier consistency)
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Onion
- Seasonings (such as paprika, salt, and pepper)
- Optional: vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or peas)
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing surface starches and ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy and separate. Use a fine-mesh sieve to rinse the rice thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and turn the heat down to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice is ready when the broth is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add Butter, Seasonings, and Vegetables
Add butter, garlic powder, and your choice of vegetables to the saucepan. Give it a good stir, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step is optional, but adding vegetables provides a nutritious boost to your cheese rice.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Milk
Stir in the grated cheese until it melts into a creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk or half-and-half if you prefer a creamier texture. Continue stirring until the cheese and milk are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the rice and adjust seasoning according to your preference. You can add paprika, salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you like. Serve the cheese rice hot as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese and find your favourite combination. Medium cheddar, white cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend also work well in this recipe.
- For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy cheese and milk (such as almond or oat milk). Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for regular butter.
- Add protein such as shredded chicken, beef, tofu, or cooked sausage to make it a heartier dish.
- Try adding different vegetables like carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition and flavour.
- If you like a crispy texture, consider broiling the rice for a bit until it forms a crust.
Cheese in First Trimester: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese rice as a side dish
Cheese and rice is a delicious combination and a great side dish to grilled meats. There are several ways to prepare cheese and rice, including stovetop recipes, casseroles, and baked dishes. The best rice for this dish is Arborio, as it becomes creamy when cooked. However, any long- or short-grain rice, including white, brown, or basmati, can be used.
To make cheese rice on a stovetop, start by rinsing the rice to remove surface starches and ensure it cooks up fluffy. Then, add butter to a pot and sauté onions until they become soft. You can also add chopped mushrooms and minced garlic to enhance the flavour. Next, add the rice, broth, milk, and seasonings such as paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in grated cheese until it melts. You can use any type of freshly grated, melty cheese, such as sharp cheddar, aged gouda, Gruyere, or blue cheese.
For a baked version of cheese rice, grease a glass baking dish with cooking spray or vegetable shortening. Combine cooked rice with onions, butter, broth, milk, and seasonings in the dish. You can also add cooked or raw vegetables, such as steamed broccoli florets, peas, or spinach. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted, about 20-30 minutes. For a Tex-Mex variation, add warm salsa to the melted cheese.
Cheese rice is a comforting and creamy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, such as pork chops, or other main courses. It is a simple and versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences and can be a great way to use up leftover rice.
Yorkies and Cheese: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Adding vegetables to cheese rice
Cheese and rice is a great combination, and adding vegetables to the mix only makes it better. You can cook almost any vegetable with rice and stir in cheese, spices, and butter or olive oil to make delicious cheesy rice.
Here's a simple recipe for cheesy rice with vegetables:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice (you can use jasmine, basmati, or short-grain brown rice)
- 5 cups of water
- Your choice of vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, frozen corn, etc.)
- Butter or olive oil
- Cheese (shredded or grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor
- Spices like Cajun seasoning or garlic salt
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Hot sauce
- Chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Place the water in a large pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Add the rice to the pot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is mostly tender.
- Add your choice of vegetables to the pot. You can use a single type or a combination of vegetables. Chop or mince the vegetables into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the pot and continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- If the rice and vegetables are not tender but the liquid is absorbed, add another 1/2 to 1 cup of water and continue cooking until tender.
- Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat.
- Stir in the butter or olive oil, and then add the cheese. You can use shredded or grated cheese, and the amount can be adjusted to your preference. Stir until the cheese is melted and combined with the rice and vegetables.
- Serve warm, topped with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other garnishes like chopped nuts, hot sauce, or a fried egg.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables to find your favorite combinations. You can also try adding proteins like chicken or using different types of rice to create a variety of flavors and textures. Enjoy your cheesy vegetable rice!
Cheese in Chicken Noodle Soup: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese and rice is a delicious combination. While some people enjoy plain cheesy rice, others prefer to add vegetables, meat, and seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Any freshly grated, melty cheese works well in this dish. Some popular options include sharp cheddar, aged gouda, mozzarella, monterey jack, gruyere, and blue cheese.
There are several ways to prepare cheese and rice, including stovetop recipes, risotto, or a casserole with vegetables and other ingredients. To make a basic stovetop version, sauté onions in butter, add rice, broth, milk, and seasonings, then stir in grated cheese until melted.
