This baked cheesy rice is incredibly simple and absolutely delicious. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that pairs with almost any main dish and is a reliable staple in my recipe collection — cheesy, easy, and fabulous.
A versatile side that goes with everything.
This may look like an ordinary casserole dish of rice, but trust me — it’s far from boring.
Think of it as classic baked rice, just a touch upgraded. It still stays familiar enough that picky eaters, especially kids, will love it.
If you’ve ever made rice baked with butter, this is in the same family — but without canned soup, beef stock, or an entire stick of butter. The flavors are simple yet pronounced: rice, stock, cheese, and a little butter.
The result is fluffy, buttery rice with a subtle cheesy bite. The cheese blends through the rice without turning it into a gooey, stringy dish — instead it adds a sharp, savory note that makes people wonder what’s in it.
Because the ingredients are combined and baked, some cheese rises and browns on top, creating a light golden crust with a little crunch in spots. Its restrained appearance is an advantage: it’s neutral enough to serve with many different meals while still adding serious flavor.
This is the perfect side for chicken, steak, seafood, tofu, beans, or any protein. Use it as a base for rice bowls or serve it alongside a main. It’s also excellent topped with a fried or poached egg.
It’s easy to prep and even easier to love — dump the ingredients into a baking dish, cover, and bake. The minimal prep and big payoff make this one of my favorite easy sides.
Any dish you’d normally serve with rice will pair beautifully with this. The flavor is broad enough to complement many cuisines and preparations.
Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice
Our Favorite Baked Cheesy Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry jasmine rice, rinsed
- 24 ounces chicken stock
- kosher salt and pepper
- 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish with nonstick spray.
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Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. Place the rice in the baking dish. Pour in the stock and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the grated cheddar and stir briefly to combine.
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Scatter the thin slices of butter evenly over the top of the rice. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the top is lightly golden.
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Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
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Look at that beautiful cheesy crust.