She Strengthens

Comfort Food at Its Finest: Creamy Baked Rice

Imagine sinking into a warm, comforting dish that envelops you in its creamy goodness. Our baked rice recipe is just that – a soothing, indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with bold flavors.

A Delicious Accompaniment

This recipe shines alongside assertive dishes like thyme-rubbed bison short ribs or roasted beef tenderloin with Henry Bain sauce. It was even featured as part of our Kentucky Derby Day menu!

A Recipe for Success

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes

Gather Your Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for coating the baking dish
• 6 scallions, ends trimmed and white and light green parts thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
2. In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it foams, add scallions, yellow onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not browned, about 7 minutes.
3. Add rice to the pan and stir to coat in butter. Then, add broth, cream, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of the cheese, and pour into the prepared dish. Spread the mixture evenly and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is almost cooked, about 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, and continue baking until the rice is tender and the cheese is golden, about 15 to 20 minutes more.

Savor the Flavor

This creamy baked rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its rich, comforting flavors will leave you wanting more, and its ease of preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, indulge in this delightful dish and let the comfort wash over you!