Cheddar Rice Bake
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Description: Looking to switch things up from traditional potato dishes? This Cheddar Rice Bake is a delectable alternative that brings a creamy, cheesy twist to your table. Perfectly baked with layers of long-grain rice and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty dish that will soon become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the dish to perfection. -
Cook Rice
Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside. This step is crucial as the rice forms the base of your bake. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized frypan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until the onion is tender and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of mustard powder. Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients. -
Make the Cheese Sauce
Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Once thickened, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. -
Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a shallow baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer with half of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cheese sauce mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, shredded cheese, and cheese sauce. -
Add the Topping
Mix the bread crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the rice and cheese layers. This will create a crispy and golden crust when baked. -
Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the Cheddar Rice Bake cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 373.7
- Fat: 21.2g
- Saturated Fat: 13.2g
- Cholesterol: 61.7mg
- Sodium: 658.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.1g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 10.6g
This Cheddar Rice Bake offers a delightful twist on your everyday side dishes, combining the comforting flavors of cheese and rice into a satisfying casserole. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite! 🍽️🧀
