Description
Comforting cheesy rice delivers creamy satisfaction with minimal ingredients. Gooey cheese and fluffy grains merge into a simple side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, finely grated (sharp)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 2 cups (480 ml) steamed rice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ease serving, creating a smooth surface for the cheesy rice mixture.
- Blend warm steamed rice with sour cream, ensuring complete and uniform coating of the grains with the creamy mixture.
- Incorporate grated cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper into the rice, stirring gently to distribute the spice and cheese evenly throughout the dish.
- Transfer the seasoned rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent heating and melting.
- Place the dish in a preheated 350°F oven, positioning it in the center rack for balanced heat distribution.
- Bake for 20 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cayenne pepper for those desiring extra zest.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Rice by using freshly cooked, slightly moist rice to ensure a creamy, smooth texture without becoming too dry during baking.
- Cheese Variety Matters, experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack, gruyere, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles and enhance the dish’s complexity.
- Customize Heat Levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity or replacing it with mild chili powder for those preferring less spiciness, making the recipe adaptable to different taste preferences.
- Enhance Nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or peas directly into the rice mixture, boosting both flavor and nutritional value without compromising the dish’s core essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg