Change your typical rice by making cheesy rice!
We love rice in our house and eat it a few times a week for an easy carbohydrate source. But sometimes plain rice can get a little boring. And that is where this cheesy rice recipe comes in. It’s packed with cheesy flavor, absolutely delicious, and so comforting.
Never Miss a Recipe!
Get new recipes like this delivered to your inbox.
Even better, you use white or brown rice. I tested the recipe with both and both are equally delicious. Surprisingly we preferred the brown rice more as it has a little bit more of a nutty flavor that pairs well with the cheese. You can use whatever you have on hand though!
You can also make it in the instant pot or on the stove. Making rice in the instant pot is our go-to way. The method is just so simple and hands-off compared to the stove. But I know not everyone has one so I provided directions for both methods!
Why we love this cheesy rice
- a fun way to change up plain rice – the flavor adds a nice change to mealtime and can be used for different occasions.
- make it in the instant pot or on the stovetop
- a crowd pleaser – so tasty and who doesn’t like cheese and rice?!
- great for meal prep – it makes a decent amount and saves great for leftovers for the week.
Ingredients
- long-grain rice – you can use white rice or brown rice for this recipe depending on your preference.
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt
- water
How to make cheesy rice
- Rinse your rice. Place rice in a nut milk bag or in a fine mesh strainer and rinse until water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add all your ingredients. Add your rice, cheese, 2 1/4 cups water, and salt to your instant pot. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure cook your rice. Close the instant pot lid and set the valve to seal. Place the manual setting on high pressure and set it to 20 minutes for brown rice OR 3 minutes for white rice. Once done, let the pressure naturally release.
- Enjoy! Stir well to make sure the cheese is evenly combined and enjoy.
Stovetop directions
To make cheesy rice on the stovetop, first, rinse the rice. Next, combine rinsed rice, water, cheese, and salt in a saucepan. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and let cook for 40 minutes for brown rice or 10-15 minutes for white rice. Remove from the heat and let sit with the lid on for 10 minutes. Fluffy with a fork and enjoy.
Do you have to rinse rice before cooking?
Yes, I suggest rinsing your rice before cooking. This helps remove the excess starch which can cause your rice to stick together when cooking. It can also help remove any coating that some companies will put on rice (to make it shinier). I simply add the rice to a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water becomes clear.
What to serve with cheesy rice
- chicken taco casserole
- baked beef taquitos
- grilled honey chipotle chicken
- chicken and tomato soup
- alongside meat or seafood and veggies for any easy dinner – shredded or ground beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or salmon would all be delicious.
Storage and reheating
- refrigerator – store rice in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- freezer – cook according to directions and let the rice cool completely. Add to a bag (we love these silicone reusable ones) or a freezer dish – you can use a large container or freeze in individual servings. Defrost for a quick and easy side dish. Rice should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- reheating – to reheat your rice, add it to a microwave-safe dish and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Substitutions and additions
- long-grain rice – jasmine or basmati will work and you can use white or brown rice for this recipe depending on your preference. See directions for cooking and liquid depending on which one you are using.
- shredded cheddar cheese – most kinds of shredded cheese will work.
- water – for even more flavor, use chicken broth instead!
Here are some additions:
- spices – feel free to add some spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or paprika would all be good.
- butter or ghee – add a tablespoon to add some more richness to the recipe.
More healthy side dish recipes
- instant pot coconut rice
- fried sweet plantains
- air fryer carrots
- parmesan roasted parsnips
- arroz verde (green rice recipe)
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Cheesy Rice
ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice (white or brown works)
- 2 heaping cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cup water (or more if making on the stovetop)
instructions
Instant Pot
- Rinse your rice. Place rice in a nut milk bag or in a fine mesh strainer and rinse until water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add all your ingredients. Add your rice, cheese, 2 1/4 cups water, and salt to your instant pot. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure cook your rice. Close the instant pot lid and set the valve to seal. Place the manual setting on high pressure and set it to 20 minutes for brown rice OR 3 minutes for white rice. Once done, let the pressure naturally release.
- Enjoy! Stir well to make sure the cheese is evenly combined and enjoy.
Stovetop
- Rinse your rice. Place rice in a nut milk bag or in a fine mesh strainer and rinse until water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add all your ingredients. Add your rice, cheese, water (what your package says), and salt to a stockpot or saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Cook your rice. Over medium heat, bring the pot to a boil. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, and cook for 40 minutes for brown rice or 10-15 minutes for white rice. Remove from the heat and let sit with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy! Fluff rice with a fork and enjoy.
notes
nutrition
Get My Guide On
How to Build a Balanced Plate
No recipe, no problem! Learn the key factors to build a balanced plate for sustainable eating and to fuel your body to support your activity, goals, and lifestyle.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive so we can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.