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Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice Recipe (Creamy, Flavorful Side Dish)

March 7, 2025 by Chelsea Leave a Comment

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Craving a side dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor? This Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice is the perfect quick recipe that combines creamy cheese and savory garlic for a family-friendly meal everyone will love!

Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice in a White bowl with a wooden spoon

Who doesn’t love a simple and quick dinner side? This one meets all the requirements and is also so quick to make. The mixture of garlic, cheese, herbs, and rice pair well with so many main dishes. My family loves this with chicken, beef, and my little one just loves to eat it by itself. This is that go-to recipe that your whole family will enjoy and ask for weekly!

Contents hide
1 Why You’ll Love this Recipe
2 Ingredients Breakdown
3 How to Make the Best Cheesy Garlic Rice
4 Tips for the Perfect Rice
5 Frequently Asked Questions
6 Serving Suggestions
7 Cheesy Garlic Rice
7.1 Ingredients
7.2 Method
7.3 Notes

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Quick and Simple: This recipe is so quick to make taking less than 20 minutes and contains simple pantry staples. It comes together so fast making it the perfect side.

Versatile: This rice can be paired with just about anything from chicken, beef to seafood. Making it a great carb source to balance out a healthy plate.

Kid-Friendly: This recipe is great for even the pickiest person. The subtle but robust flavoring offers something for everyone. My picky son will even eat it when I put it on his plate!

Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredients laid flat for this recipe: garlic, butter, cheese, parsley, salt, water, and rice.

White Rice: The star of the show. I prefer to choose an organic white rice. To make the rice easier to digest you can soak it in water with a splash of apple cider vinegar for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Water or Bone Broth: Using bone broth will add some extra protein when I don’t have any broth on hand I like to add a scoop of Perfect Supplements Bone Broth to still get that protein and add even more flavor.

Garlic: Don’t skimp here it adds so much flavor to your rice.

Salt: Helps balance out all the flavors.

Shredded Cheese: You can pick whatever type of cheese you enjoy. A good cheddar or parmesan work well. I have used whatever I have in my cheese drawer.

Parsley: The perfect touch of color and flavor.

Butter: Makes everything extra creamy and delicious!

How to Make the Best Cheesy Garlic Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Boil your water or bone broth, then add the rice, garlic, and salt. Turn to simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid.

Step 2: Add Cheese & Seasoning

Once the rice is cooked fluff it with a fork. Stir in your cheese, butter, and dried parsley until everything melts together and the rice becomes creamy.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

Taste your rice and adjust the seasonings to your preference before serving and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Rice

  • Use a good quality rice. Either a white, jasmine, or basmati rice works well.
  • You can make this recipe your own by adding in extra herbs, spices, protein, and vegetables.
  • Choose your favorite cheese to enhance the flavor of your rice to your perfect preference. A good quality parmesan or cheddar pair well with the garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well if you prefer it, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Use about 2 ½ cups of water or broth and simmer for 35-40 minutes until tender.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a milder flavor or up to 1 teaspoon for a stronger garlic taste.

What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Cheddar, parmesan, or a mix of both works great! For extra creaminess, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Rice on a white plate alongside chicken and ranch dressing
  • Pair it with my Pan-Seared Chicken and Homemade Ranch for a simple, protein-packed meal just add your favorite veggie.
  • Top the rice with a runny egg for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • The cheesy garlic flavors complement a juicy steak or beef tips well.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!

Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice in a White bowl with a wooden spoon

Cheesy Garlic Rice

Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients, this one-pot recipe is ready in just 20 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Servings: 3
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white rice jasmine or basmati
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (or ½- 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ to ¾ cup shredded cheese cheddar, parmesan, or a mix
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp butter optional, for extra creaminess

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
  2. Stir in rice, garlic, and salt. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
  4. Stir in butter (if using), shredded cheese, and dried parsley until creamy and well combined.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite protein or veggies!

Notes

  • Use Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
  • Boost the Flavor: Sauté the garlic in butter before adding the rice for a deeper flavor.
  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy. 


Filed Under: Nourishing Recipes, Side Dishes Tagged With: cheesy garlic rice

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Hello & Welcome

Hi there! I’m a mama to two boys, a wife, and a former kindergarten teacher turned homeschooling mom. I’m passionate about creating a simple, joyful home rooted in nourishing food and natural living. Here, I share wholesome recipes, non-toxic DIYs, and tips for embracing a healthier, more intentional lifestyle. Join me on this journey as we cultivate a home filled with love, simplicity, and the beauty of living well.

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