Nothing says cozy comfort food like a bubbling cheesy rice casserole coming out of the oven, its golden top begging to be cracked with a spoon. This easy baked rice recipe turns simple pantry staples into a rich, creamy, crowd‑pleasing dish that works as a main course or a hearty side for chicken, steak, or roasted veggies.
In this recipe, fluffy rice is baked in a velvety cheese sauce, then finished under high heat until the top forms that irresistible browned crust you see in the photo. It is the kind of dish people pass around the table twice, and it reheats beautifully for lunches and busy weeknights, making it a smart meal‑prep option as well.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rice Casserole
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Incredibly creamy and cheesy: The combination of melty cheeses, milk, and a simple egg‑based custard bakes into a luxurious texture without complicated steps.
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Versatile: Serve it as a vegetarian main, add cooked chicken or tuna for extra protein, or pair it with any roasted meat or salad.
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Family‑friendly: Mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Perfect for leftovers: Cooked rice is transformed into something special, so this is ideal when you have leftover rice from another meal.
Ingredients for Baked Cheesy Rice
This recipe uses basic, budget‑friendly ingredients you can find in any U.S. grocery store.
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Cooked white rice (medium or long grain), cooled
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Shredded melty cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
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Grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty top layer
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Milk or light cream
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Eggs to help set the casserole
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Butter for richness
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Garlic and onion (fresh or powder) for flavor
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Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne if you like a hint of heat
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Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
You can also stir in extras like shredded rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to turn this into a full one‑pan dinner.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prep the baking dish and oven
Grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar) with butter or cooking spray so the rice does not stick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), the classic casserole temperature that allows the custard to set gently while the top becomes golden.
2. Mix the creamy cheese base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices until smooth. Add most of the shredded cheese and some of the Parmesan, reserving a portion of each for the top, and stir until everything is evenly combined.
3. Fold in the rice
Add the cooked, cooled rice to the bowl, breaking up any clumps with a fork as you mix. The rice should be thoroughly coated in the cheese mixture so that every bite bakes up creamy and flavorful. If you are using any add‑ins like cooked chicken or vegetables, fold them in at this stage.
