Imagine a side dish so effortlessly delicious that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Savory Parmesan Rice is the secret weapon every home cook needs in their culinary arsenal. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe will have your family and guests begging for seconds – and the best part? It practically cooks itself while you relax!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by measuring out the rice, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Pour the rice into the crock pot, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Add the vegetable broth to the rice, ensuring all rice grains are submerged in the liquid.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the rice and broth, distributing the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Allow the rice to cook slowly for approximately 2 hours, without lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After 2 hours, check the rice for tenderness and liquid absorption. If needed, stir gently.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked rice and stir to incorporate, allowing the cheese to melt and blend with the rice.
- Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal texture.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and consistent cooking results.
- Broth Boost: For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or add a splash of white wine for depth.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the most robust flavor. Avoid pre-packaged grated cheese for optimal taste.
- No Peeking Rule: Resist the temptation to lift the crock pot lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can disrupt the cooking process.
- Moisture Check: If the rice seems too dry during cooking, you can add a few tablespoons of additional broth.
- Garnish Options: Enhance the dish with fresh chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This rice reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
