Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

For the creamiest texture, don't skip toasting the rice before adding the broth

If you're short on time, use pre-minced garlic and garlic powder instead of roasting a whole head

For a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy cream with milk

The perfect rice texture should be tender but still have a slight bite - avoid overcooking

Allow the cheese mixture to come to room temperature before adding to the hot rice for smoother melting

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine when toasting the rice

If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the rice to a baking dish before adding the cheese topping

Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting qualities

The dish can be prepared up to the broiling stage ahead of time; reheat and broil just before serving

For a complete meal, add cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to the rice before adding cheese

Cheesy Garlic Rice

Name: Cheesy Garlic Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: International, Comfort Food
Ingredients: For the Garlic Rice Base:; 2 cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati preferred); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 whole head of garlic, roasted; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; For the Cheese Mixture:; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives; For Garnish:; Additional chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives); Extra grated parmesan; Red pepper flakes (optional); Cracked black pepper; Equipment:; Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish; Medium saucepan; Aluminum foil (for roasting garlic); Mixing bowls; Measuring cups and spoons

This comforting Cheesy Garlic Rice offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and aromatic garlic flavor transformed into a versatile side dish or complete meal base. The medium-difficulty recipe requires proper rice cooking techniques, thoughtful cheese incorporation for ideal texture, and balanced garlic infusion without overwhelming the dish. Made with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, slow-roasted garlic, and a harmonious blend of melting cheeses, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of fluffy rice grains coated in a velvety cheese sauce punctuated by sweet roasted garlic notes. The appetizing golden surface with perfectly melted cheese creates a crowd-pleasing comfort food that's equally suitable for weeknight family dinners, potluck gatherings, or as a hearty side to complement any protein.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Garlic Rice Base:

2 cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 whole head of garlic, roasted

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

For Garnish:

Additional chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives)

Extra grated parmesan

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cracked black pepper

Equipment:

Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish

Medium saucepan

Aluminum foil (for roasting garlic)

Mixing bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Grater

Garlic press (optional)

Kitchen towel or pot holders

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the whole garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash with a fork.

While the garlic roasts, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Add the minced fresh garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the garlic-butter mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir in the mashed roasted garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Preheat the broiler to high. When the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork, then stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and incorporated.

In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir half of this cheese mixture into the rice along with the chopped parsley and chives.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over the top of the rice. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Remove from the broiler, let stand for 5 minutes, then garnish with additional herbs, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired before serving.

Cheesy Garlic Rice

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Cheesy Garlic Rice

Ingredients

Instructions