Bacon Bits and Cheddar White Rice
A creamy, cheesy white rice studded with crispy bacon bits and sweet frozen peas. This comforting side dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. The cheddar powder dissolves into the rice for an even, tangy cheese flavor without needing cream or butter.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Wait
- 5 min
- Total
- 28 min
- Makes
- 4 servings (about 1 cup each)
Steps
Before you start
- Measure the rice and broth before you start so they're ready to add at once
- If using fresh bacon, cook and chop it before starting the rice
- Keep the frozen peas on hand—they'll be added at the end
Toast the rice
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (2-quart) over medium heat.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.
- The rice will turn light golden and smell slightly nutty.
- This step prevents gumminess and builds flavor.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Rice is light golden and smells toasted
Tip: Don't skip toasting—it makes a real difference in texture and flavor.
Add broth and bring to a boil
- Pour in the broth slowly while stirring.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally, about 2–3 minutes.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Liquid is at a rolling boil
Tip: Add broth slowly to avoid splashing and to keep the rice from clumping.
Add bacon, cheese, and seasonings
- Stir in the bacon bits, cheddar cheese powder, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Stir well to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the rice.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Cheese powder is fully incorporated and no clumps remain
Tip: Stir the cheese powder in thoroughly while the broth is hot so it dissolves evenly.
Simmer covered
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, place the lid on the saucepan, and simmer without stirring for about 12–13 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Peek after 10 minutes—if liquid remains and rice still feels hard, cover and continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Rice is tender, no liquid pools at the bottom of the pan
Tip: Don't stir during cooking—it releases starch and makes the rice mushy.
Fold in peas and rest
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the frozen peas.
- Cover and let the rice sit for 5 minutes.
- The residual heat will warm the peas through without overcooking them.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Peas are heated through and tender
Tip: Add peas at the very end to keep them bright green and firm.
Fluff and serve
- Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and taste.
- Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or divide among four plates and serve warm.
+ Show details− Hide details
Ready when: Rice is fluffy with grains clearly separated
Tip: Fluffing with a fork creates an airy texture; avoid stirring vigorously.
Good to know
Tips
- For extra richness, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or milk after the peas are added.
- If your bacon bits are very salty, taste the rice before adding the salt seasoning—you may not need much.
- Use a 1:1.83 ratio of rice to liquid (1.5 cups rice to 2.75 cups broth) for perfectly tender grains that aren't mushy.
- For a one-pan meal, serve with rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp on the side.
Storage & reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water (about 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Substitutions
- bacon bits (real or imitation) → Crispy chopped fresh bacon (cook until crispy, then chop; use 6–8 strips). For a fresher, smokier flavor. Cook the bacon before starting the rice and add it in Step 3.
- cheddar cheese powder → Finely grated sharp cheddar cheese (use ¾ cup / 90 g). Shredded cheddar will give a creamier, more luxurious texture. Add it off the heat so it melts evenly.
- frozen peas → Frozen corn kernels or diced bell peppers (use 1 cup / 150 g). Corn adds sweetness; bell peppers add a fresh crunch.
- chicken broth or vegetable broth → Vegetable broth or water. Water will produce a milder flavor. Vegetable broth works equally well.
