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–+ servings
Browned Rice and Cheese sauce
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 296 kcal

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

  • Use sharp cheddar or Gruyère if Old English cheese is unavailable.
  • Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
  • Stir in sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
  • Substitute brown rice, but increase cooking time.
  • Add a splash of cream to the cheese sauce for richness.
  • Mix herbs like parsley or chives into the finished rice.
  • Use mini ramekins or a single casserole instead of molds.
  • Top with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
  • Add a bit of garlic powder for deeper flavor.

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
Keyword cheese sauce, comfort food, family recipe, heirloom recipe, old-fashioned cooking, rice side dish, vintage recipe
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