Description
This Cozy Cheesy Rice Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that transforms rice into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s perfect as a side, light meal, or potluck contribution, packed with roasted red pepper, smoky paprika, and plenty of cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (1 cup) Long-Grain White Rice: rinsed thoroughly
- 500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: warmed
- 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: melted
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Olive Oil
- 150g (1 medium) Onion: finely diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic: minced
- 100g (1 cup) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 100g (1 cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Roasted Red Pepper Puree
- 2g (½ tsp) Smoked Paprika
- 1g (¼ tsp) Ground Black Pepper
- 1g (¼ tsp) Salt, or to taste
- 15g (2 tbsp) Panko Breadcrumbs
- 5g (1 tsp) Dried Parsley
- A Handful Fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 5ml (1 tsp) Herb-Infused Olive Oil (e.g., Basil Oil)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion in butter and olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Toast Rice: Add rinsed rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer Rice: Add broth, paprika, pepper, and salt; simmer for 10 minutes until rice is tender.
- Infuse Flavor: Stir in red pepper puree, half the cheese, and parsley.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake to Golden: Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Drizzle with herb oil and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
For a crispier topping, toast the panko breadcrumbs before sprinkling over the bake. Feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg