Cheesy Baked Rice

This decadent baked rice dish features tender grains folded into a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbling. A golden, crispy panko topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the comforting, cheesy interior.

• Prep time: 12 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 47 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice, cooled
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste.
3. Cook the flour mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then slowly whisk in the warm milk to avoid any lumps.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg, and 1.25 cups each of the cheddar and Gruyere until melted.
6. Gently fold the cooked white rice into the warm cheese sauce until every grain is well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar and Gruyere cheeses.
8. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Tips

• Use day-old rice or cooled rice so the grains stay distinct and do not turn mushy when baked.
• Grate your own cheese from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded cheese, as block cheese melts much smoother.
• Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add proteins or vegetables to this bake?

Absolutely. Cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, broccoli florets, or peas make excellent additions to fold in with the rice.

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rice and cheese mixture in the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking, and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What is the best substitute for Gruyere?

Fontina, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese make great substitutes for Gruyere while maintaining excellent melting quality.