Cheesy Bacon Rice

On those nights when you just need a big scoop of comfort, look no further than this Cheesy Bacon Rice! It’s a quick and simple side dish full of flavors the whole family will enjoy.

Creamy rice with bacon in a white serving dish


 

Yes, 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.

Fork lifting out cheesy bacon rice

You’ll be sneaking little spoonfuls of this easy Cheesy Bacon Rice straight out of the pan even as the cheese melts. Go ahead, it’ll be our little secret.

Cheesy Bacon Rice Ingredients

  • Cooked Rice, I use white medium grain, but you can use your favorite!
  • Bacon, about half a pound
  • Onion, about half of one
  • Garlic, two to three cloves
  • Half and Half
  • Cream Cheese
  • Parmesan
  • Mozzarella
  • 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!

The combination of these 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!

cheesy bacon rice with a piece of steak

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!

Grain options for this cheesy bacon rice recipe include:

  • 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!

white plate with cheesy bacon rice and beef

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Rice

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.

  1. Crisp the bacon with the onions and garlic.
  2. Add in the half and half and cheeses, then stir until smooth and gooey.
  3. Then fold in cooked rice until coated, creamy, and perfect!

What to Serve with Cheesy Rice

When it comes to a side dish like this simple Cheesy Bacon Rice, 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!

A plate of food, with Bacon and Chicken
Serve with Bacon Ranch Chicken & Asparagus

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!

How Long Does Cheesy Bacon Ranch Last?

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.

close up of cheesy bacon rice

I do recommend eating this within 3 days for best flavor and texture. When you’re ready to reheat it, 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.

Just like mac and cheese or any other cheesy casserole you can freeze this 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.

cheesy bacon rice in a serving dish

Milk Substitutions

If you don’t have half and half on hand, you can use regular milk instead.

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.

The Best Bacon to Use

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.

A close up of  Bacon

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

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.

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cheesy bacon rice with steak for pinterest
cheesy bacon rice in a serving dish

Cheesy Bacon Rice

4.55 from 22 votes
On those nights when you just need a big scoop of comfort, look no further than this cheesy bacon rice. It’s a quick and simple side dish full of flavors the whole family will enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients

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.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!

Nutrition

Calories: 587 kcal, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 38 g, Saturated Fat: 19 g, Cholesterol: 99 mg, Sodium: 758 mg, Potassium: 286 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 746 IU, Vitamin C: 2 mg, Calcium: 448 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Mikayla Marin
Calories: 587
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesy rice, rice side dish
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
cheesy bacon rice for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.55 from 22 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

    1. I’m more impressed with your self control to NOT eat carbs! LOL. So glad he loved it! Try some of our other rices too!

  1. 5 stars
    This is such a fun and easy way to upgrade plain steamed white rice. So delicious and super filling too.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve had all kinds of rice dishes but never with bacon! Such a game changer! It’s so good!

  3. 5 stars
    Oh wow, this cheesy rice with bacon looks so creamy and delicious. This will be a crowd favorite for sure.