Putting cheese on rice may seem like an unusual combination to some, but it can actually be quite delicious when done right. The creaminess of the cheese pairs nicely with rice’s fluffy texture. While this topping isn’t common in many cuisines, there are several cultures around the world that regularly enjoy cheese with rice.
Is cheese on rice a thing?
While not as ubiquitous as pairings like rice and beans or rice and curry, cheese and rice is certainly a “thing” in various world cuisines. Some examples include:
- Risotto – This classic Italian rice dish often contains Parmesan or other cheeses as a key ingredient.
- Bibimbap – A Korean rice bowl with vegetables and meat often topped with an egg and shredded cheese.
- Khichdi – An Indian rice and lentil dish that’s sometimes made with the addition of paneer (fresh cheese).
- Arroz con queso – Spanish for “rice with cheese,” a simple dish popular in Latin American countries.
- Fondue – Bread or rice cubes dipped in melted cheese fondues.
The combination of cheese and rice is not completely unheard of or unusual, even if it’s not as ubiquitous as some other flavor pairings. The creamy texture and salty flavor of cheese can complement the fluffiness of properly cooked rice quite well.
What types of cheese work on rice?
You have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with rice. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
Cheddar
The classic orange cheddar is a great choice for rice thanks to its tangy, salty flavor. It also melts nicely, allowing it to coat rice grains.
Parmesan
This hard Italian cheese adds a nutty, umami kick to rice. Grated parmesan is a key ingredient in risotto and can add a flavor boost to plain rice as well.
Monterey Jack
With its creamy texture and mild flavor, Monterey Jack is an easy cheese to pair with rice. Try sprinkling shredded jack on top of rice before baking it au gratin.
Mozzarella
The soft, milky texture of fresh mozzarella complements starchy rice perfectly. Try mixing diced mozzarella into a rice pilaf.
Feta
Salty, crumbly feta cheese adds a lovely contrasting flavor and texture when cubed and stirred through a rice dish.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese crumbles lend a tangy, earthy quality to rice. They soften slightly when baked together in rice casseroles.
In general, semi-soft cheeses that melt well are ideal for thoroughly coating rice grains. Hard, crumbly cheeses provide a nice textural contrast. Sharp, salty cheeses lend lots of flavor. Mild, creamy cheeses allow the rice to shine.
What are the best rice dishes to put cheese on?
You have lots of options when it comes to the format of the rice dish:
Risotto
This creamy Italian rice dish is traditionally finished off with Parmesan cheese. The cheese helps give risotto its signature creaminess.
Pilaf
Pilafs are rice dishes flavored with spices, herbs, vegetables or meats. Grated cheese can be stirred into a pilaf for added richness.
Baked rice
Baked rice casseroles allow the cheese to thoroughly melt and intermingle with the rice. Try sprinkling shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on rice before baking.
Stir fry
Add diced cheese like mozzarella or feta to a vegetable or meat stir fry just before serving to allow it to melt slightly.
Rice bowls
Bowls featuring rice topped with proteins and veggies are perfect for a final sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.
Stuffed vegetables
Mix cheese into rice-stuffed tomatoes, squash, peppers, or other vegetables for an extra flavor punch.
The preparation method doesn’t matter as much as choosing a rice format that allows the cheese to heat up and meld together with the grains. Allowing them to bake together is ideal.
What ingredients pair well with cheese and rice?
There are lots of great ingredients you can add to cheese and rice for extra flavor and nutrition:
- Meats – Chicken, beef, bacon, sausage
- Vegetables – Broccoli, spinach, peas, tomatoes, zucchini
- Herbs – Oregano, basil, cilantro, parsley
- Spices – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika
- Sauces – Marinara, pesto, gravy
In general, ingredients with contrasting flavors and textures work best. For example, crispy bacon or pan-fried vegetables provide a nice textural crunch against the smooth cheese and rice. Spicy seasonings like chili powder help cut through the richness. Acidic components like tomatoes and citrus add brightness.
How to prepare rice and cheese:
Here are some tips for successfully cooking rice with cheese:
- Cook the rice first – Make sure rice is fully cooked before adding cheese so the cheese doesn’t overwhelm the dish.
- Grate harder cheeses – Grating makes it easier for hard cheeses like Parmesan to distribute throughout the dish.
- Cut softer cheeses into pieces – Dice softer cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese into smaller bits for even melting.
- Prevent sticking and burning – Use a non-stick pan and stir frequently if cooking cheese with rice on the stovetop.
- Add cheese at the end – Only add cheese at the very end of cooking to prevent overheating and clumping.
- Use liquid to help melt – A splash of milk or cream helps cheeses melt evenly into rice.
Proper technique like grating, cutting, and stirring the cheese helps it integrate seamlessly into rice dishes without clumping or burning.
Potential health benefits of cheese and rice
Enjoying cheese and rice together can provide some nutritional perks, as long as portions are controlled. Here are some of the potential benefits:
Protein from the cheese
Cheese provides a protein boost when paired with starchy rice. Combining plant- and animal-based proteins helps support a healthy diet.
Bone-strengthening calcium
Calcium-rich cheese can help meet daily calcium needs for building strong bones, especially when paired with vitamin D-containing rice.
Satisfying fiber
Whole grain rice varieties provide filling fiber that helps regulate digestion. This balances out cheese’s richness.
Energy from carbohydrates
The carbohydrates in rice offer an excellent source of energy when eaten as part of a balanced meal.
Moderation is key, since both rice and cheese are high in calories. But enjoyed occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet, the nutrient combo can be beneficial.
Potential downsides of eating cheese with rice
While enjoying cheese and rice together can have some advantages, there are also a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
High in calories
Both cheese and white rice are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain when consumed in large amounts.
High in sodium
Cheese tends to be very high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Lots of saturated fat
The saturated fat content is also elevated in most cheeses, which can negatively impact heart health.
Not enough fiber
White rice lacks fiber, unlike cheese. Pairing cheese with brown rice can help increase fiber intake.
Portion control and moderation are key when enjoying this combo. Be sure to balance it with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains throughout your diet.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether or not it’s OK to put cheese on rice comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the creamy, rich flavor the combo provides, then there’s no reason not to work some cheese-topped rice dishes into your regular recipe rotation. Just be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy it as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet.