Description
Creamy, comforting baked rice loaded with four melted cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly. This cozy dish delivers rich flavor, a velvety texture, and that irresistible cheesy stretch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions until just tender, then drain if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked rice, whole milk, softened cream cheese, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the grated parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
- Do not overcook the rice before baking to avoid a mushy result.
- Let the dish rest after baking so it sets and slices more cleanly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: 4 cheese baked rice, cheesy baked rice, creamy rice casserole, vegetarian rice bake, comfort food dinner