Creamed Rice
Creamed Rice is a comforting casserole combining tender rice, melted Cheez Whiz, crisp broccoli, and aromatic celery and onion. Baked to perfection, this dish offers creamy, cheesy flavors with nutritious vegetables, making it a satisfying side or main for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice and mix it with Cheez Whiz while hot.
- Sauté chopped celery and chopped onion in oleo until tender.
- Boil the frozen chopped broccoli until tender and drain.
- Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream when mixing the Cheez Whiz with the rice. If you don't have Cheez Whiz, you can substitute with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities based on your preference; adding more broccoli or even bell peppers can enhance flavor while keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This creamed rice dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted chicken for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside Homemade Barbecue Sauce for a tangy contrast. It's a great vegetarian option on its own or can be complemented with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover creamed rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying out, and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warmed through. It can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Rice contains roughly 310 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you'll want to prepare it ahead of time. The nutty flavor of brown rice adds a nice dimension to the dish, making it even more wholesome.
What can I do if I don't have frozen broccoli?
If you don't have frozen broccoli, fresh broccoli can be used instead. Simply chop it into small florets and blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes until tender. You can also experiment with other vegetables like spinach or mixed veggies for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).