This Cheesy Rice comes together in about 20 minutes and is made all in one pot that your family will love! Don’t you just love recipes like that?
What You’ll Need for Cheesy Rice
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy delight. The great thing about this recipe is that you can mix and match, use whatever you have on hand! Here’s a basic list to get you started:
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed. I love using long grain rice here; it cooks up fluffy and separates perfectly!
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth: This is where the flavor comes in. If you want a vegetarian twist, vegetable broth works wonderfully too.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, Because butter makes everything better, right?
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped, Feel free to use fresh if that’s what you’re into. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach would also work great!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic makes everything more flavorful! (But you can use fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! I usually go for sharp cheddar for that big flavor impact.
- Optional: a splash of milk or half-and-half, This adds extra creaminess if you want to go that route.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, my friend! Here’s how to whip up this Cheesy Rice in no time:
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This way, you’ll get rid of extra starch and make sure your rice cooks up nice and fluffy!
Step 2: Bring the Broth to a Boil
In a medium saucepan, bring your chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll want that broth bubbling away!
Step 3: Add the Rice
Once your broth is bubbling like crazy, stir in the rice, and give it a couple pinches of salt and pepper for flavor. Now reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the broth is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender.
Pro-tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking! It holds in all that steam which is essential for perfectly cooked rice.
Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
After your rice is done, take a fork and fluff it up (the smells in your kitchen right now are just incredible). Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped broccoli. Stir that into your rice, cover it again, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Cheese Please!
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over that beautiful rice. Stir it in until it’s melted and gooey. If you like it extra creamy (and who doesn’t?), you can add that splash of milk or half-and-half now for a dreamy consistency.

And voilà! You have yourself a delightful pot of Cheesy Rice that’s ready to be devoured!
If you loved this Cheesy Rice, be sure to check out my Hawaiian Fried Rice or my Spinach Rice!
Why This Cheesy Rice Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This creamy Cheesy Rice literally comes together in under 20 minutes! I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate a meal that can be ready in a flash, perfect for those evenings when nothing seems to go as planned.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup required because you’re doing everything in just one pot. Who’s got time for a mountain of dishes? With this recipe, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of too much cleanup.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover bits from your fridge, letting you reduce food waste! Honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s easy on the wallet?
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and that cheesy goodness we all crave, right? Seriously, every bite tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Cue the nostalgia!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Want to make it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer it cheesy? Add extra cheese! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what I absolutely love about this recipe.

Serving Suggestions
So, what should you serve with this cheesy delight? Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Chicken: A simple addition that complements the cheesy rice beautifully.
- Curries or Stir-fries: This rice acts as a fantastic base to pair with rich flavors and sauces.
- Salads: Serve alongside a light salad to balance things out.
- Taco Night: This rice can be a fun side to tacos or burritos, cheesy burrito bowl, anyone?
Storage and Reheating
- Leftover Love: This cheesy rice will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, just store it in an airtight container!
- Reheating: The best method to reheat is in a microwave, but do add a splash of water or milk to keep it from drying out. Stir often until heated through. You can also warm it on the stove over low heat!
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze cheesy rice for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or stovetop from frozen; just take your time!
Food is really about bringing people together, right? And there’s something special about a cozy, cheesy meal that turns an ordinary evening into a cherished family memory. So next time you’re in a dinner pinch, give this Cheesy Rice a try. You (and your family) will be glad you did!
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Easy Cheesy Rice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Cheesy Rice comes together in about 20 minutes in one pot, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that is versatile and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: a splash of milk or half-and-half
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the rice, along with salt and pepper, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the broth is mostly absorbed and rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped broccoli. Stir into the rice and cover, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice, stirring until melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk or half-and-half if desired.
Notes
This dish is customizable; feel free to use different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
