Rice and cheese can make for a delicious combination when done right. The starchiness of rice complements the creaminess of cheese nicely. However, the success of pairing rice and cheese depends on the type of rice, type of cheese, and how they are prepared and served together.
Can you eat rice and cheese together?
Yes, rice and cheese can absolutely be eaten together. Some classic examples of rice and cheese pairings include risotto with Parmesan, cheesy rice casseroles, Arborio rice with melted mozzarella, Spanish rice with Manchego cheese, and rice pilaf with feta cheese. The key is balancing the flavors and textures to create a complementary dish.
What types of rice go well with cheese?
Arborio rice and other medium or short grain white rices work best with melted cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, and fontina. The plump grains and creamy texture of these rices stands up well to melted cheese and absorbs flavor nicely.
Long grain white rices like basmati and jasmine rice also pair well with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, and aged cheeses like Parmesan due to their fluffy, dry texture providing contrast. Meanwhile, brown and wild rice add nutty, earthy notes that complement strong flavored cheeses like blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and Pecorino Romano.
What types of cheese go well with rice?
Here are some examples of cheeses that pair well with different types of rice:
| Type of Rice | Cheeses That Pair Well |
|---|---|
| Short grain white rice (Arborio, sushi rice) | Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, Gruyère, smoked gouda |
| Long grain white rice (jasmine, basmati) | Feta, goat cheese, halloumi, aged gouda, Parmesan |
| Brown rice | Cheddar, Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola, Swiss, Brie |
| Wild rice | Gruyère, pepper jack, Havarti, Monterey Jack, blue cheese |
In general, softer, creamier cheeses that melt well pair nicely with short grain rices, while crumbly, tangy cheeses complement fluffy or nutty rice textures.
What are the best ways to cook rice and cheese together?
Here are some tasty ways to cook rice and cheese together:
Baked rice and cheese casseroles
Combining rice with cheese sauce and baking creates comforting, creamy casseroles. Rice provides a neutral base that absorbs other flavors well for a complete meal.
Risotto
Slowly simmering Arborio rice in broth to create a creamy risotto is enhanced with cheese stirred in at the end, like Parmesan or goat cheese. The cheese adds savory flavor and richness.
Cheesy rice pilaf
Sautéing rice and adding broth or water to cook, then stirring in cheese once finished creates a cheesy rice pilaf side dish. Feta, cheddar, Monterey Jack all work well.
Creamy rice pudding
Cooked rice simmered in milk and cream with eggs makes a comforting dessert. Stirring in cheese like mascarpone or ricotta adds even more richness and texture.
Rice balls with melted cheese
Shaping cooked rice into balls, stuffing with cheese then baking so the cheese melts inside makes a fun appetizer or side. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and fontina work well.
Rice stuffed vegetables
Stuffing cooked rice with cheese into vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms then baking creates flavorful, hearty vegetarian meal options.
What are some cultural dishes with rice and cheese?
Many cultures around the world combine rice and cheese in iconic traditional dishes, for example:
Italy – Risotto
Creamy risotto rice cooked with broth and flavored with Parmesan cheese is a classic Italian comfort food.
Greece – Pastitsio
A traditional Greek pasta bake made with tubular pasta, spiced beef or lamb, béchamel sauce, and kefalotyri cheese sprinkled on top.
Spain – Arroz con queso
Rice simmered in broth with onions, garlic, saffron, and Manchego cheese stirred in for flavor.
India – Shahi Paneer Biryani
Layers of fragrant basmati rice and spiced paneer cheese cubes baked together into an aromatic dish.
Mexico – Chilaquiles
Tortilla chips simmered in salsa then baked with cheese on top makes a popular Mexican breakfast dish.
What are the benefits of eating rice and cheese together?
Some health benefits of pairing rice and cheese include:
- High fiber from whole grain rice
- Protein from cheese
- Calcium from cheese
- Prebiotics from cheese that supports gut health
- Rice provides magnesium, iron, and B vitamins
- Eating balanced meals with carbs, protein, fat
In moderation, rice and cheese provide valuable nutrients. Be mindful of portion sizes as cheese is high in saturated fat and calories.
What are potential downsides of eating rice and cheese?
Some potential downsides of eating rice and cheese dishes regularly include:
- High in calories, which can lead to weight gain
- High in saturated fat from cheese
- Refined white rice lacks nutrients of whole grains
- May be high in sodium from cheese and cooking methods
- Some people are sensitive or intolerant to dairy
- Eating too many simple carbs like white rice can increase diabetes risk
Balance intake by emphasizing vegetables, lean proteins and fiber and limiting saturated fat, sodium and refined carbs in your overall diet.
Conclusion
Rice and cheese can make an indulgent and comforting food pairing when done thoughtfully. The best rule of thumb is to emphasize whole grains like brown or wild rice rather than white varieties, choose cheeses wisely to match the rice texture, and incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables. This ensures a balanced, nutritious meal that highlights the creamy, savory satisfaction of rice and cheese.