Light Herbed Rice Cake

This savory rice cake is a comforting, home-style dish that transforms simple medium-grained rice into a deliciously crusty and tender treat. The combination of melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the subtle heat of Tabasco sauce. While tagged as a dessert in some collections, this hearty dish is best enjoyed as a side or main course. It features a delightful texture contrast with a crispy, browned exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a vegetarian main when served with a fresh salad. The herbs provide a fresh lift that cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Roasting

Cuisine: American

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 78.0

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Description

This savory rice cake is a comforting, home-style dish that transforms simple medium-grained rice into a deliciously crusty and tender treat. The combination of melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the subtle heat of Tabasco sauce. While tagged as a dessert in some collections, this hearty dish is best enjoyed as a side or main course. It features a delightful texture contrast with a crispy, browned exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a vegetarian main when served with a fresh salad. The herbs provide a fresh lift that cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 cup Rice, medium grained

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350&# 194;Â°F (175ÃÂ°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups water.
3
Bring to a boil over high heat.
4
Cover tightly, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until rice is tender but still lightly firm to the bite.
5
Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup grated medium-sharp Cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill), 1 lightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
7
Blend the mixture well until smooth.
8
Add the cooked rice to the bowl and toss to combine evenly.
9
Press the mixture evenly into a lightly buttered 8 or 9-inch square baking dish.
10
Bake in the center of the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is beginning to brown lightly around the edges and becomes crusty.
11
Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
12
Run a small knife around the edges of the dish and cut the rice cake into 2-inch squares.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 78.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.6mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 16.8g6%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 1.6g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve these squares of cheese and herb-flavored rice warm or at room temperature. They are also delicious eaten hot with tomato sauce and thin slices of cold rare roast lamb or beef.

For a picnic, pack the squares in airtight containers. They hold their shape well and are easy to eat with fingers.

If using dried dill, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons as the flavor is more concentrated.

Keywords: rice cake, cheddar, dill, savory, casserole, baked rice, american, comfort food, vegetarian, herb rice, cheesy, dinner, side dish

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/light-herbed-rice-cake/