Best 2 Cheddar Rice Casserole Recipes

Indulge in a delectable and comforting culinary experience with this versatile Cheddar Rice Casserole. This classic dish combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the heartiness of rice, and a medley of flavorful ingredients to create a satisfying and indulgent meal. Explore a collection of carefully curated recipes that showcase the versatility of this casserole. From traditional variations to unique twists, each recipe offers a distinct flavor profile and caters to different dietary preferences. Embark on a culinary journey and discover the perfect Cheddar Rice Casserole recipe that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY RICE BAKE CASSEROLE

Easy Rice Bake Casserole image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, plus more for dish
1 small onion, minced
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
1 cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, plus extra for top
4 cups cooked rice
1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a large casserole dish.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, saute onions with 2 tablespoons of butter and cayenne until translucent. Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.
Add the cheese, rice, parsley, thyme, basil and spinach mixture and combine well. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with extra shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and serve piping hot.

CHICKEN BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole image

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy make ahead meal that you can assemble and bake another day! Your family will love the buttery, crunchy Ritz topping!

Provided by Stephanie

Categories Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt/Pepper (to taste)
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups white long grain rice (uncooked)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (uncooked)
10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (separated)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
2 Tablespoons melted butter

Steps:

Note: This recipe is designed to allow you to prepare all of the casserole ingredients in one pot before transferring to a casserole dish for baking. Before you begin, refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (we'll use chicken broth) and cooking time. I use white long grain rice and the cooking time/liquid amount below works perfectly.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning and desired amount of salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Note: This step is not needed if using a cooked rotisserie chicken.
Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover tightly and cook for 7 minutes.
Add the broccoli and replace the cover. Cook for 8 more minutes. Refrain from stirring.
Turn off the heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
Add the cooked chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 33 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Sodium 1174 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the casserole will taste. Look for fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and long-grain rice.
Don't overcook the rice. The rice should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked rice will make the casserole mushy.
Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the casserole. Some good options include diced celery, chopped onion, grated carrots, and peas.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also try using Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère.
Make sure the casserole is hot and bubbly before serving. This will ensure that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Cheddar rice casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender rice, and flavorful vegetables, cheddar rice casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.