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This easy cheesy rice recipe is the perfect creamy delicious comfort food for the whole family. Made in one pot and boosted with bite-sized broccoli, it is great as a quick side dish or main course.
Cheesy Rice
As a parent of littles, there is nothing better than making nutritious and delicious recipes all in ONE pot to keep things simple. That’s why I wrote a whole cookbook on my one pot wonders!
This creamy cheesy rice is a versatile dish with simple ingredients, making cooking dinner (and cleaning up after) quick. Using frozen veggies keeps things hassle-free on those busy weeknights.
Littles can eat this rice with a spoon or with their little hands – it’s sticky and delicious enough to do both! This is a family favorite, my kids love to say, “Can I have another cheese bite?”
Once you get the basics of this recipe down, you will love customizing it with different veggies and sources of protein, packing even more nutrients in each creamy bite.
For some other ways to upgrade your rice, try my Jumeokbap (Korean Rice Balls) and Easy Healthy Fried Rice (With Vegetables). Another amazing one-pot delight is my Creamy Chicken Orzo!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Rice – Long-grain rice turns out best for this recipe. Other kinds of rice may take longer to cook or get mushy. I share more about what types of rice work best below.
- Cheese – I used sharp cheddar cheese for this deliciously cheesy recipe, but you could use another kind that your family likes and that melts well. See more on choosing cheese below also.
- Broccoli – Frozen broccoli is so convenient. It is easy to keep on hand, already chopped, and cooked. That said, if you want to use fresh broccoli, you totally can. Just be sure to chop very finely.
- Chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is best to keep the salt content low in this recipe. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, use a vegetable broth instead.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter.
- Milk – Adding a splash of whole milk or half and half helps make this recipe smooth and creamy. Lower-fat milk would work here, it just won’t be as creamy as higher-fat milk or cream.
- Seasoning– Garlic powder adds the perfect flavor to this recipe to make it extra delicious. You can add or substitute onion powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse rice in cold water until water runs clear. Bring broth to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice. Turn heat down to low and cover with lid.
Step 2: Cook for 15-20 minutes, until broth is mostly absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff cooked rice with a fork.
Step 3: Add the butter, garlic powder, and broccoli. Give it a good stir, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in cheese until melted and add a splash of milk or half in half if you desire a creamier consistency.
Tips for Success
- Long grain rice, like basmati rice and jasmine rice, will work best. These varieties have a nice fluffy texture and absorb flavors really well. You can use short-grain rice if that’s all you have but due to their higher starch content, your cheesy rice will have a stickier, somewhat mushy texture.
- Be sure to rinse your rice – this is key to achieving the fluffy rice texture and preventing the rice from clumping together.
- When your rice is cooking, leave the lid of the pot on and don’t worry about stirring it until it is done. Otherwise, it can get mushy and clumpy, and letting out the steam will make the rice dry.
- Grate your cheese from a block for even better creamy cheese goodness.
Variations
- Vegetables – instead of broccoli, try adding carrots, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, peas, etc.
- Cheese – Medium cheddar, white cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend would work deliciously here (a great way to use up some extra cheese in the fridge!). Have fun experimenting!
- Dairy-free – Use a non-dairy cheese and a splash of almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the butter.
- Add meat – Rotisserie chicken, beef, Salmon, or even Tofu for a protein boost.
- Seasonings – Try adding onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano….have fun experimenting!
Storage
Once cooled, store the leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container. If you double or triple the recipe, consider dividing leftover rice into individual portions before refrigerating. Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
FAQ
Adding a splash of half and half or even heavy cream makes this dish extra creamy.
To keep your creamy rice moist when reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
Yes! Prepare your easy cheesy broccoli rice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add a little liquid and reheat on low heat when your family is ready to enjoy it.
More Cheesy Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Cheesy Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed (195g)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: a splash of milk or half and half
Instructions
- Rinse rice in cold water until water runs clear. Bring broth to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice. Turn heat down to low and cover with lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until broth is mostly absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add the butter, garlic powder, and broccoli. Give it a good stir, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted and add a splash of milk or half in half if you desire a creamier consistency.
Notes
- Long grain rice, like basmati rice and jasmine rice, will work best.
- Be sure to rinse your rice – this will help achieve the fluffy rice texture and prevent clumping.
- Grate your cheese from a block for even better creamy cheese goodness.
Creamy and delicious. I’m not yet ready to offer my little one rice (he is 2) so I sub’d with a combo of Banza rice and pearled couscous. Great dish and enjoyed by everyone. 🙂
Could you do this in a rice cooker?
I haven’t tried but I personally wouldn’t as the rice would turn out too mushy, I feel.
Hit with my little one. Thank you.
Yay! So happy to hear that!