If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a fresh twist to classic casseroles, then this Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. It’s a delightful blend of fluffy rice, the vibrant freshness of parsley, creamy cheddar cheese, and a hint of mustard that all bake together into a golden, savory masterpiece. This is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a dinner plate, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or those nights when you want an easy but impressive meal. Once you try this, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its rich flavor and inviting texture. Every element, from the pungent parsley to the creamy cheese and tender rice, comes together perfectly to make this dish shine.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Act as a binder to hold the casserole together with a silky texture.
- Salt (1 tsp and ½ tsp for rice): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender bite.
- Vegetable or canola oil (½ cup): Keeps the casserole moist and adds richness.
- Medium onion (finely grated): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Dry mustard (½ tsp): Adds a gentle tangy kick that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Chopped parsley (1 cup): Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Offers gooey, melty richness with a sharp bite.
- Dry rice (1 cup): The hearty base that soaks up all the flavors and keeps this casserole satisfying.
- Butter (1 tbsp for rice and for greasing): Adds a subtle buttery flavor and helps prevent sticking.
How to Make Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by simmering your dry rice with 2 cups of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and perfectly fluffy. The butter melts into the grains, making them rich and flavorful right from the start, which forms a great base for the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While your rice is cooking, grab a medium mixing bowl and beat the eggs lightly with a fork until just combined. Now it’s time to get your hands ready by finely grating a medium onion, chopping fresh parsley, and shredding that beautiful sharp cheddar cheese. Toss these fresh ingredients into your bowl—they directly infuse the casserole with layered flavor and lovely texture.
Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients Together
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 ½ cups of milk, and ½ cup of oil to the bowl with your beaten eggs and fresh additions. Give everything a good mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy, tangy mixture will evenly coat the rice and cheese, ensuring every bite is rich and balanced.
Step 4: Combine the Rice with the Mixture
Once the rice is done and still warm, add it to your bowl of wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly, making sure every grain is included and well coated. This step is crucial because it binds the casserole ingredients together and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Butter a 9 x 11-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking, then pour in the rice mixture and spread it evenly. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. During this time, the top will turn a gorgeous golden brown, the flavors will deepen, and the casserole will set to the ideal creamy yet firm consistency that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra shreds of cheddar on top right before serving adds that fresh pop of green and makes the presentation bright and inviting. For a little extra zing, a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grilled chicken or fish. The casserole itself is hearty, so lighter, fresh sides help balance the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins or muffin tins for pretty, single-serving portions. You can also serve it alongside stuffed bell peppers or as a bed for braised meats—its gentle flavors adapt well and add a comforting, homestyle touch to any plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover parsley rice casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly ensures the dish maintains its moisture and flavor without becoming dry or grainy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready whenever you need an easy dinner solution.
Reheating
For best results, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick, comforting meal any day of the week.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but because it takes longer to cook, make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients. The texture will be heartier and add a bit more fiber to your dish.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works well and keeps the casserole creamy without dairy. Just choose an unflavored version to maintain the savory balance of the dish.
Can I add other herbs or vegetables to this Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Fresh dill, chives, or even a touch of thyme can complement the parsley nicely. You could also stir in finely chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your dry mustard and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten. Using plain rice and fresh ingredients makes this dish safe and satisfying for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out when baking?
Greasing the baking dish well with butter helps a lot, and the oil in the mixture keeps the casserole moist. Avoid overbaking by checking around the 55-minute mark; it should be set but still creamy in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen gem — simple ingredients that combine into a heartwarming meal full of color, flavor, and comfort. It’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to share with guests and family. Give it a try; I promise this dish will become one of your treasured favorites in no time.
Print
Parsley Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Parsley Rice is a comforting baked casserole combining fluffy cooked rice with fresh parsley, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and spices. It’s perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggs (beaten with a fork)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 medium onion (finely grated)
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- 1 cup parsley (chopped)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup dry rice
- ½ tsp salt (for rice cooking)
- 1 tbsp butter (for rice cooking)
- Butter (for greasing baking dish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a simmer, then add 1 cup of dry rice. Cook covered for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Prepare the Mixture: While the rice is cooking, beat 2 eggs in a medium mixing bowl until just combined. Finely grate 1 medium onion and chop 1 cup of fresh parsley, then shred 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the eggs.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: To the bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, 1 ½ cups of milk, and ½ cup of vegetable or canola oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Rice and Mixture: Once the rice is cooked and slightly cooled, add it to the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ËšF (175ËšC). Grease a 9 x 11-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the rice mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 1 hour until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil according to your preference.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked but not mushy; the baking will firm the casserole.
- Fine grating of the onion helps it blend smoothly into the rice mixture.
- Leftover Parsley Rice can be refrigerated and reheated; it tastes great the next day.
- You can add extra herbs or spices for personalization, such as black pepper or garlic powder.
