Browned Rice & Cheese Sauce is a comforting vintage dish that turns simple pantry staples into something special. It begins with rice toasted in butter for a deep, nutty flavor, then formed into individual molds and served with a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp, aged English cheese and milk. A touch of onion adds subtle savoriness. This recipe reflects the economical and clever cooking style of early- to mid-20th-century American kitchens, where flavor was maximized with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rice
- 3 tbsp butter (plus extra for buttering molds)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tbsp onion (grated )
- ¼ lb Old English cheese (or sharp cheddar, shredded)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Wash and drain the rice thoroughly.
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter.
- Add the rice and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Add water (approx. 1½ cups, or as needed) and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 15–18 minutes).
- Add grated onion, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- While rice cooks, melt the cheese with the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir constantly until smooth and fully melted.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Butter individual molds (or use ramekins or small bowls).
- Pack the cooked rice into the molds and press lightly.
- Invert onto a serving platter.
- Spoon the cheese sauce generously over each molded portion.
- Serve hot.
Tips
- Substitute sharp cheddar for Old English cheese if unavailable.
- Add a pinch of dry mustard or paprika to the cheese sauce for added depth.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broil for a gratin-style finish.
Nutrition
Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 10gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 276mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 317IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 259mgIron: 1mg
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