Creamy Rice Casserole

10 servings

80 minutes

Creamy rice casserole is a delicate and aromatic dish with roots in Italian cuisine. Inspired by traditional risotto recipes, this casserole combines the creamy texture of a sauce with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese. The crispy bread crust provides a pleasant contrast to the soft rice soaked in broth and spices. The dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and can also serve as an excellent side for meat or vegetable dishes. Its richness and warming effect make it an excellent choice for cool evenings when something hearty and comforting is desired. Each spoonful reveals a harmony of creaminess, a hint of cayenne pepper's spiciness, and garlic's zest, creating a depth of flavor worthy of true Italian cuisine connoisseurs.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 509.3
• Proteins: 14.7g
• Fats: 23.1g
• Carbohydrates: 57.3g

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: 6 tbsp
• White bread for toast: 4 pc
• Onion: 1 head
• Garlic: 3 clove
• Wheat flour: 2 tbsp
• Chicken broth: 4 glass
• Milk: 4 glass
• Water: 2 glass
• Long grain rice: 3 glass
• Cheddar cheese: 220 g
• Ground black pepper: 1 tsp
• Ground cayenne pepper: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp

Cooking steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Chop the quartered bread with 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.

   Required ingredients:

   • Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons
   • White bread for toast: 4 pieces

2. Melt the remaining butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, salt, and sauté for about 9 minutes - the onion should become very soft and slightly brown. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 15 seconds.

   Required ingredients:

   • Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Salt: 1 teaspoon
   • Garlic: 3 cloves

3. Add the flour and mix until it covers the vegetables. Slowly stir in the broth, milk, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 2 tablespoons
   • Chicken broth: 4 glasss
   • Milk: 4 glasss
   • Water: 2 glasss

4. Then add the rice and both types of pepper and bring to a boil again. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat. Cook, stirring every 5 minutes, for 20-25 minutes until the rice is soft.

   Required ingredients:

   • Long grain rice: 3 glasss
   • Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon

5. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheddar. Pour the rice into a 20x30 cm baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cheddar cheese: 220 g
   • White bread for toast: 4 pieces

6. Bake until the crumbs are golden and bubbles appear, for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • White bread for toast: 4 pieces