Cheesy Bacon Rice
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Cheesy bacon rice is the perfect rice side dish to satisfy all your indulgent dinner cravings, without the fuss! Three creamy cheeses, crisp bacon, and big flavor, all easily made in one pan. It’s a quick and simple side that you can easily make with any rice you have on hand.
Yea, we all know that we should eat salads, but let’s get real, there are just nights when all you need is a helping of something warm, gooey, and full of carbs. There’s a reason grilled cheese is still a classic after all!
This easy rice recipe ticks all those boxes. It’s impossible not to love creamy melty mozzarella and Parmesan especially when it’s studded with perfectly crispy bacon. You’ll be sneaking little spoonfuls straight out of the pan even as the cheese melts. Go ahead, it’ll be our little secret.
Ingredients
The combination of three cheeses creates a seriously luscious, rich rice side dish that feels like an indulgent spoonful with every bite. It reminds me most of risotto, without all the stirring and watching. Who doesn’t love a shortcut! One of the big advantages of this recipe is that you can really use any rice you like. Leftover rice, fresh cooked, instant, go for it. You can even use other grains if you like!
- Cooked Rice – I use white medium grain, but you can use your favorite!
- Bacon – about half a pound (or more if you love it!)
- Onion – about half of one, I like white or yellow!
- Garlic – two to three cloves, don’t skimp here!
- Half and Half – The perfect balance between creamy and lightness.
- Cream Cheese – Go for a full fat for the creamiest option.
- Parmesan – Spring for a nice aged one if you can.
- Mozzarella – I recommend a block style cheese, not the fresh mozzarella. It won’t melt the same.
- Pepper and salt to taste
Pro Tip: Missing one of these cheeses? No worries! Romano or Asiago can easily be subbed for Parmesan, and any good melty cheese you enjoy can be subbed for the mozzarella. Swiss, jack, or even pepper jack would be good choices!
If you’re curious what your other grain options for this recipe are, I suggest:
- Any white rice. I like medium or long grain, they’re fluffier and have a great texture with the cheese.
- Brown rice – adds a delicious nutty flavor!
- Farro – a nice, chewy thick grain that holds up well to the cheese.
- Quinoa – using quinoa will create an almost creamy grit like dish.
- Barley – Similar to the texture to farro, it’s a nice substitute.
Pro Tip: Cooking your rice especially for this? Start step 1 of this recipe when your rice has 10 minutes left of cook time!
How to Make this
Making this is as easy as eating it I promise. It’s very simple, made all in one pan, and consists of just three basic steps.
- Crisp the bacon with the onions and garlic.
- Add in the half and half and cheeses, then stir until smooth and gooey.
- Then fold in cooked rice until coated, creamy, and perfect!
When it comes to a side dish like this one, the question changes from what do I serve this with to how many things can I serve this with. It goes with everything! A nice seared chicken breast or steak, any roast, or even simply a side salad would take this from a simple side to complete meal. I think it’d be especially good with shrimp!
Something as rich and hearty as this will easily serve a big family, so it’s also a great option to serve at family gatherings or dinner parties. Share the cheesy bacon love!
FAQ’S
I won’t lie, something this packed full of cheese never gets better than straight off the stove. It’s when the cheese is at it’s meltiest! But you can make it ahead. Simply transfer to a casserole dish and pop it back in a 350°F oven 20 minutes before you intend to serve.
Sure thing! Milk is a little more prone to breaking when applied to heat, so simply remove the pan temporarily from the heat, add in the cream cheese and whisk as you pour the milk in slowly. Then return to the heat and proceed with the recipe! This will create a little looser of a sauce.
I always, always recommend using a thick cut bacon whenever possible. In a dish like this one, a thicker cut will stand up to the creaminess of the cheese while thinner bacon may crumble more.
I found half a pound to be just right but feel free to use a full pound! I wouldn’t exceed that or you run the risk of it being too salty.
I recommend eating this within 3 days for best flavor and texture.
Simply place it in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or so until hot. Or microwave a single portion. This will however become less creamy over time, so if needed, add a little milk to loosen it up when reheating. I find by day two I usually need the extra milk.
Sure! Just like mac and cheese or any other cheesy casserole you can freeze it and reheat it. Just place the frozen cheesy bacon rice in the oven at 350°F for an hour to an hour and a half, or until hot all the way through.
Eat & Enjoy
I hope you enjoy this simple but cheese loaded rice dish. It’s comfort food at it’s finest, down to the ease with which it comes together. Dig in and don’t worry, calories don’t count on this one! Happy Eating!
If you liked this recipe, you may also enjoy…
- Farro Bacon Risotto
- Homemade Cream Style Corn
- Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
- Mexican Fried Rice
- Lemon Rice Recipe
- No Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Cheesy Bacon Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup Parmesan, shredded
- 1 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice bacon and to a hot pan set over medium heat. Stir occasionally until nearly crisp.
- Drain off all but 1 tsp of bacon grease from the pan and reduce heat to medium low.
- Add in the diced onion. Saute until beginning to soften and caramelize, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in minced garlic and saute until fragrant, just 30 seconds to a minute.
- Pour in half and half and cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
- Begin adding the Parmesan and mozzarella in handfuls, stirring to melt between additions.
- Fold in rice, taste and add salt if needed. Serve with fresh cracked black pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information and cooking times are provided as a best estimate. Values may vary based upon ingredients and equipment.
Okay, this combo sounds insane! I am definitely making this ASAP, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
I hope you enjoyed it!
This recipe seems super comforting and like a great side dish to any meal.
I agree, thanks!
OMG you have taken rice to a high level of lusciousness and comfort! My tastebuds are just imagining that cheesy creamy rice and the bacon so salty. Nice contrast. Great dish!
Rice is a great canvas for flavor, you’ll love it!
You’re right! It does seem like risotto. I love the creaminess of the dish.
Sort of a shortcut risotto, but for a quick meal it’s hard to beat!
Three cheeses, cream and bacon? This is my new favorite rice dish, perfect with steak!
Definitely a steakhouse worthy side, I’m glad you loved it!
Oh, wow, this has to be the most decadent rice! I can never get enough cheese or bacon, and I loved the creamy texture from the cream cheese. Will make again and again!
Decadent is definitely the word! I’m glad you liked it!!
This cheesy rice is a wonderful side dish, we paired up ours with some gravy. Everyone gave their compliments on how delicious it was!
I never would have thought to add gravy, but I’m glad you liked it that way! Thanks for reviewing!
Why have I not thought of adding bacon to cheesy rice! Delicious!
I hope you liked it!
Where has this been all my life?! There’s nothing better than cheese and bacon and your recipe sounds like a winner!
Cheese and bacon are always a winning combo, I hope you enjoy 🙂
This rice is so cheesy, flavorful, and delicious. Love how simple the recipe is and how quickly it came together. Perfect to pair with a weeknight dinner!
Definitely a quick and easy side dish right! I’m glad you liked it!