Grandma'S Hot Rice
A comforting baked rice dish featuring creamy sour cream, spicy green chilies, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked rice with sour cream, chopped green chili peppers, salt, and black pepper.
- Grate the Cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the rice mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little milk to the sour cream mixture. If you want a bit of heat, try using spicy green chilies instead of mild ones. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, ensure that the sour cream is made from plant-based ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Hot Rice as a hearty side dish to grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Swiss Style Green Bean Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider topping with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain the cheesy texture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Hot Rice contains roughly 467 calories, with 21g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2064mg per serving (90% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the grated cheese right before baking to ensure it remains gooey and bubbly when served. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute that will provide creaminess and a slight tang. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the sour cream used is vegetarian-friendly. You can also explore other vegetarian recipes that complement this dish for a full meal.
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).