Cheese and Rice Casserole

Creamy Parsley Casserole with Cheddar Cheese and Rice

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheese and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This creamy and cheesy casserole is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Cheese and Rice Casserole are not entirely clear, but casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. This particular recipe likely originated in the mid-20th century when convenience foods like condensed soups became popular in home cooking.

Ingredients

1 can (10-0.75 oz or 21 g) of condensed cream of celery soup
0.5 cup of chopped pimientos
0.5 cup of chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 tbsp of dehydrated minced onion
3 cups of cooked rice
1 cup (4 oz or 113 g) of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Combine the soup, pimientos, 0.25 cup of parsley, and onion in a large bowl.
Add the rice and mix well.
Turn the mixture into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Top it with cheese and the remaining 0.25 cup of parsley.
Bake it at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a meatier version.
Mix in different vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

- You can customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, vegetables, or different types of cheese.

- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese and Rice Casserole as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique for this casserole, but you can also prepare it in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery.

- Substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes.

- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cheese and Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cheese and Rice Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cheese and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Cheese and Rice Casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen for a cup of tea. As we sat at her small table, flipping through her recipe book, my eyes landed on a simple yet intriguing recipe for Cheese and Rice Casserole.

Mrs. Jenkins noticed my interest and smiled, saying, "Oh, that recipe is a family favorite. My grandmother passed it down to me, and now I'm passing it down to you." I couldn't contain my excitement as she showed me the ingredients and steps to make the casserole. It seemed like a comforting and delicious dish that I knew I had to try making myself.

As I left Mrs. Jenkins' house that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the Cheese and Rice Casserole recipe. I was eager to recreate it in my own kitchen and share it with my family. Over the next few days, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set aside an afternoon to make the casserole.

The first step was to cook the rice until it was tender and fluffy. I remembered Mrs. Jenkins' advice to use long-grain white rice for the best texture. As the rice simmered on the stove, I prepped the other ingredients – shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and a can of cream of mushroom soup.

Once the rice was cooked and the other ingredients were mixed together, I layered everything in a baking dish and popped it into the oven. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the casserole baked was heavenly. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the results of my labor.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the Cheese and Rice Casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving it to my family. The cheesy, creamy dish was a hit – everyone went back for seconds and raved about how delicious it was. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated Mrs. Jenkins' family recipe.

From that day on, Cheese and Rice Casserole became a staple in our household. Whenever I made it, memories of that warm summer day at Mrs. Jenkins' house flooded back. I was grateful for her generosity in sharing the recipe with me and for the joy it brought to my family.

Over the years, I made the casserole for countless gatherings and potlucks, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I loved passing on the tradition of this comforting dish to others, just as Mrs. Jenkins had done for me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey of learning and mastering the Cheese and Rice Casserole recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the connections it has brought into my life. Food truly has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

So, to anyone reading this, I urge you to seek out new recipes, learn from those who came before you, and share the joy of cooking with others. Who knows – you may just stumble upon a family favorite like I did with Cheese and Rice Casserole. Happy cooking!