Imagine a dish so creamy, so irresistibly delicious that it transforms ordinary rice into a gourmet experience that will have your family begging for seconds! This White Sauce Baked Rice is not just a side dish - it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of a classic white sauce with perfectly cooked rice and a golden, cheesy crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the white sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the white sauce, stirring until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the rinsed rice to the white sauce, stirring to ensure the rice is evenly coated. Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the rice for an extra layer of flavor and golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and perfectly cooked.
- Whisk Continuously: When making the white sauce, constant whisking prevents lumps and creates a smooth, silky texture.
- Temperature Matters: Use medium heat when preparing the sauce to prevent burning and achieve the perfect consistency.
- Cheese Selection: While Parmesan works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Gruyère or aged cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Foil Coverage: The initial foil cover helps steam the rice, while the uncovered final baking creates that irresistible golden-brown top.
- Resting Time: Don't skip the 5-minute rest after baking - it allows the sauce to set and the rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked just before serving - perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
