Creamy Cheese Rice

If you have been looking for a remarkably easy but wonderfully tasty side dish to go with your home-cooked dinners, you have found it with this creamy cheesy rice recipe. It is a perfect accompaniment to anything from chicken to hot dogs to a salmon fillet, and it uses just five ingredients—including the water and the salt.

A great basic dish for a novice to try as they hone their skills, this cheesy rice recipe appeals even to experienced cooks.

Creamy Cheese Rice Ingredients

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

• Water: As portioned out here, this is a two-person recipe and calls for 1 cup of water.
• Uncooked long grain rice: Use a 1/2 cup of uncooked long grain rice as the base for this cheese rice recipe.
• Salt: Just a 1/4 teaspoon of salt is all you need to help the other ingredients shine.
• Process cheese: You’ll need a 1/4 cup of cubed process cheese, with Velveeta being the flagship there.
• Fresh parsley: The tablespoon of fresh minced parsley is an optional topper, but it is recommended, as it adds pleasant flavor and enhances the looks of the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the rice

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

In a small saucepan, bring the water, rice and salt to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pan and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 2: Add the cheese

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Remove the cooked from the heat and stir in the cheese and the parsley, if desired. Cover the pan and let it stand for two minutes or until the cheese is melted. Then stir until the cheese and rice have blended.

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Cheesy Rice Variations

• Use cheddar cheese: If you don’t have or don’t like Velveeta, you can use shredded cheddar cheese instead. Use about 1/3 of a cup sprinkled evenly over the rice.
• Use broth instead of water: To give this recipe a bit more flavor, cook it using broth instead of water. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Toss in some cayenne pepper: If you like some heat when you eat, sprinkle a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper over the rice right before you add the cheese.

How to Store Cheesy Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days.

How do you reheat cheesy rice?

You can reheat this cheesy rice in the microwave or in a pan on the stove; either way, add a splash of broth.

Cheesy Rice Tips

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

What is Velveeta, anyway?

Velveeta is a brand of processed cheese that’s similar to American cheese. It’s known for its smooth texture, mild taste and vibrant orange color.

What should I serve with this rice?

As noted, it’s tasty served with many types of meats and other savory foods. This creamy cheese rice is a comfort food, so it goes well with other comforting eats, such as a classic cheeseburger.

Can I make this with instant rice?

Yes, you certainly can. Instant rice is almost as nutritious as regular long grain rice, so there’s no reason not to use it.