Dump & Bake Cheddar Rice: Easy Cheesy One-Dish Side Dish

Dump and bake cheddar cheese rice is the easiest cheesy side dish—just mix, bake, and serve. Creamy, comforting, and ready in 40 minutes.

When life gets busy, we all crave easy, reliable recipes that require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor. This Dump & Bake Cheddar Rice is exactly that kind of dish—a simple, hands-off recipe that transforms pantry staples into a creamy, cheesy, comforting side everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or putting together a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps. No stove-top babysitting, no stirring, and no stress. Just pour everything into a baking dish, cover it, and let the oven work its magic. The result is fluffy, perfectly cooked rice infused with savory broth and melty cheddar cheese. It pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, roasted vegetables, or any easy dinner you already have planned. If you love simple recipes, cozy comfort food, and reliable dump-and-bake casseroles, this one’s for you.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dump & Bake Cheddar Rice checks all the boxes for a perfect side dish. It’s fast, practical, and incredibly flavorful. Because everything cooks together in one baking dish, cleanup is minimal—a huge win on busy weeknights. It also uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it budget-friendly and great for meal planning.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s kid-friendly and pairs well with almost any protein or vegetable. The creamy cheddar flavor makes it a comforting favorite even for picky eaters. And since it’s baked instead of cooked on the stove, the rice turns out soft and fluffy every time. This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s just that simple and satisfying.

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Breakdown of the Ingredients

You only need a few staple ingredients to bring this cozy, cheesy dish to life:

Rice (1 ¼ cups, rinsed)

Rinsing removes excess starch, helping your rice cook evenly and prevent gumminess. Long-grain white rice works best for this baked method. It stays fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully.

Broth (3 cups)

Broth infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor as it cooks. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even beef broth depending on the meal you’re pairing it with. Low-sodium broth is a great choice if you want more control over the salt level.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup)

Cheddar melts into the rice, creating a creamy, cheesy texture throughout. Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt. Sharp, medium, or mild all work—choose your favorite!

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

These simple seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Feel free to adjust based on the saltiness of your broth or cheese.

This short ingredient list makes the recipe ideal for beginners, busy home cooks, or anyone looking for a no-fuss addition to weeknight meals.

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How to Make Dump & Bake Cheddar Rice

This recipe is all about ease. There’s no sautéing, no boiling, and no babysitting the stove. Follow these quick steps:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 425°F to ensure the rice cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Add All Ingredients to the Baking Dish
   In a medium baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, broth, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Cover Tightly with Foil
   This is key! Tightly sealing the dish traps steam, allowing the rice to cook properly without drying out.
4. Bake for 30–40 Minutes
   Bake until the rice is fully tender and the liquid is absorbed. Oven times can vary, so start checking around 30 minutes.
5. Fluff and Serve
   Remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy the cheesy goodness.

This effortless method makes it one of the easiest baked rice recipes you’ll ever try.

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How to Store the Recipe

This dish stores extremely well and reheats beautifully, making it great for weekly meal prep.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Freezer

You can freeze the cooked cheddar rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

For the creamiest texture, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with added liquid to keep it soft and fluffy.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Other varieties may require different liquid ratios or cook times.
• Cover very tightly with foil. If steam escapes, the rice may come out undercooked.
• Don’t peek while baking. Opening the oven or lifting the foil lets out valuable steam.
• Add mix-ins! Stir in peas, broccoli, diced onions, or cooked chicken to make it a complete meal.
• Use freshly grated cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect the melt.

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FAQs

Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice requires significantly more time and liquid, so it’s not recommended without adjusting the recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based cheddar alternative and vegetable broth.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and add an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time if needed.

Can I add veggies?
Yes—frozen peas, chopped broccoli, carrots, or onions all work great. Add them before baking.

Why is my rice still firm?
It may need more time. Add ¼ cup extra broth, cover tightly, and bake an additional 5–10 minutes.