A delicious, comforting baked rice casserole made with fluffy rice, melted cheese, savory seasonings, and sweet-tart dried cranberries. Baked until golden brown and bubbling, this easy dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
– 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably long-grain)
– 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup dried cranberries
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup milk
– ½ cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– ¼ cup extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Cook the rice according to the package instructions if it is not already cooked. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly. Make sure the rice is tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, cream cheese, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Cranberries
Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice to the creamy mixture. Fold gently until every grain of rice is coated.
Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges.
For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a few extra dried cranberries if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy baked rice casserole pairs beautifully with:
– Grilled chicken breast.
– Roasted turkey or chicken.
– Fresh green salad.
– Steamed broccoli or green beans.
– Roasted carrots.
– Garlic bread.
– Roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, assuming 8 servings. Actual nutrition depends on ingredients and brands.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 315 kcal
Protein 11 g
Total Carbohydrates 39 g
Dietary Fiber 1.5 g
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Sugar 6 g
Sodium 390 mg
Cholesterol 35 mg
Recipe Tips & Variations
1. Use freshly cooked rice: Slightly cooled rice helps the casserole maintain its texture.
2. Choose your cheese: Cheddar gives a rich flavor, while mozzarella creates a stretchy, creamy texture.
3. Add protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey for a more filling meal.
4. Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or diced bell peppers work wonderfully.
5. Adjust sweetness: Add more dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor or reduce them for a more savory casserole.
6. Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rice mixture, transfer it to the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. Chop them slightly and consider adding a small amount of honey to balance the flavor.
Q4: How do I keep the rice casserole from becoming dry?
Use the recommended amount of milk and sour cream. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Q5: Can I add chicken to this recipe?
Definitely! Add 1–2 cups of cooked shredded chicken for a protein-rich main dish.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
Allow the casserole to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q7: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q8: What cheese works best?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best balance of rich flavor, creaminess, and a beautifully melted topping.
Q9: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian as written, provided you use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Q10: How do I know when the casserole is ready?
The cheese should be melted, the edges should be bubbling, and the top should have a beautiful golden-brown color.