Parsley Rice Recipe

Parsley Rice Recipe is that bright, savory side dish you’ll quickly fall in love with after just one taste. Cheesy, herby, and delightfully satisfying, this comforting casserole transforms humble rice with plenty of fresh parsley and sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together by creamy eggs and a buttery finish. It’s pure kitchen magic — simple ingredients mingling to make something even greater than the sum of its parts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Parsley Rice Recipe is how every ingredient truly counts. From creamy cheddar to vibrant parsley, each item adds its own touch of flavor, color, or richness, making the finished dish downright irresistible.

• Eggs: Acts as a binder, giving the rice a luscious, creamy structure throughout the casserole.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the rice and ensuring every bite is deliciously savory.
• Milk: Adds moisture and a gentle creaminess, helping the eggs set to a tender finish.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Gives the casserole a soft texture and keeps everything from drying out.
• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth—grated so it practically melts into the rice!
• Dry mustard: Adds a kick of warmth and complexity that makes the cheese pop.
• Fresh parsley: The star of the show, infusing the dish with vivid color and fresh, herbal flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts right into the rice, making every forkful gooey and irresistible.
• Dry rice: The hearty base for the casserole—use long grain white rice for perfect results.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor to the cooked rice and ensures nothing sticks to your baking dish.

How to Make Parsley Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add ½ teaspoon of salt plus 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the dry rice, cover, and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice should absorb all the water and become beautifully tender—just right to soak up all the other delicious flavors we’ll add later.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

While your rice is cooking, grab a large bowl and beat the eggs lightly with a fork. Next up, grate the onion as finely as possible, chop that glorious fresh parsley, and shred the cheddar. Add everything to your eggs—the aroma alone at this stage will have you swooning!

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and the dry mustard, then pour in the milk and oil. Give it a thorough mix, ensuring that the cheese and parsley are well distributed—this is when the Parsley Rice Recipe really comes together!

Step 4: Add the Rice

As soon as the rice is perfectly cooked, fluff it up with a fork and add it straight to the bowl with your colorful ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly so those grains get coated in cheesy, herby goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×11-inch baking dish. Pour in the rice mixture, leveling it out evenly. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour until it’s golden and set—the top will be irresistibly crisp and the center perfectly creamy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

How to Serve Parsley Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of extra chopped parsley right before serving is all you need for a pop of green and a fresh finish. Sometimes, I love to add grated parmesan or even a sprinkle of finely sliced green onion to dress things up for special occasions.

Side Dishes

The comfort and color of this Parsley Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled chicken, herby lamb chops, braised vegetables, or even a fresh salad with a zippy vinaigrette. It’s a wonderful companion for just about any main, soaking up savory sauces like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, scoop the rice into individual ramekins before baking for adorable single servings. Or, use a ring mold to unmold portions onto plates for an elegant, restaurant-style touch. You can even nestle a poached egg on top and watch the yolk mingle with those herby, cheesy grains!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Parsley Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge—just transfer to an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more tempting!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole. Cool it completely, cut into squares or portion as you like, and store in airtight containers or heavy freezer bags. It’ll be good for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave works just as well—just watch so it doesn’t overheat.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Definitely! Just be sure to cook the brown rice thoroughly before adding it, as it usually takes longer to become tender than white rice. The nutty flavor works beautifully with parsley and cheddar in the Parsley Rice Recipe.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Yes, the Parsley Rice Recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you check your dry mustard and any other packaged ingredients for hidden gluten sources. It’s a fantastic choice for serving a crowd with dietary restrictions.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and melt to your Parsley Rice Recipe.

Can I use dried parsley if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh parsley is ideal for color and brightness, but if you need to substitute, use about one-third of the amount in dried parsley. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit subtler, but still delicious!

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Parsley Rice Recipe up to a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and just bake it off when you’re ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver for busy hosts!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something homey, green, and crowd-pleasing, this Parsley Rice Recipe is your new go-to. Don’t be surprised if it quickly earns a spot in your regular rotation—give it a try and let your kitchen fill with all those inviting, herby aromas!

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