Cheesy Rice Casserole with Crunchy Almonds

This rice casserole with cheese and almonds is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and crunchy almonds. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for dinner or potlucks. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. With its rich and comforting flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced celery, and minced garlic.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth, milk, butter, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
4. Pour the hot mixture over the rice mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts