Looking for an easy, healthy side dish that’s lower in carbs than traditional rice? Look no further than my Cheesy Cauliflower Rice! Made from frozen cauliflower rice, it’s cooked on a skillet, seasoned, and crowned with melting cheese in less than 5 minutes with no prep work required. Dive into this creamy, cheesy delight and elevate your dinner tonight!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for an easy, healthy side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, look no further than my Cheesy Cauliflower Rice! Inspired by my nephew’s love for cauliflower rice, this dish takes the simplicity of pan-fried cauliflower rice from my Cajun Cauliflower Rice dish and adds the element of melting cheese on top from my Bacon Cauliflower Gratin, resulting in a unique and delightful creation that so easy to make!
It’s a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy your veggies, offering tender, creamy cauliflower with a hint of heat, all blanketed in melted cheese! Perfect for anyone seeking a fuss-free recipe that I know your whole family will love! Dive into this delicious dish today and treat your taste buds to a cheesy delight!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Rice – pre-made fresh or frozen cauliflower rice. You can usually find frozen cauliflower rice in most supermarkets. No need to blend from cauliflower florets.
- Butter – salted or unsalted butter.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Cayenne Pepper – ground peppers, optional.
- Shredded Cheese – pre-shredded cheese in a package. Cheddar, mozzarella, Mexican blend, colby jack, are good choices.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Use a roomy Skillet to give the cauliflower rice plenty of room to cook.
Step 1 Start by placing the frozen cauliflower rice directly into a large frying pan and cook it under medium heat for 2-3 minutes and occasionally stir. Once tender, add butter, allowing it to mix in with the cauliflower until completely melted. Season the dish by sprinkling in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper, ensuring to mix well for even flavor distribution.
🍳 Pan Frying Pro Tip
For optimal texture when pan-frying cauliflower rice, Avoid Overcrowding the pan. Giving it ample space allows moisture to evaporate effectively, ensuring ideal results.
Step 2 Transfer into a bowl, sprinkle cheese and microwave for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
🧀 Cheese Melting Pro Tip
To achieve optimal cheese melting, you can use an oven set to 375°F and Bake for 5 Minutes. This method ensures even melting and enhances the texture and flavor of the cheese topping.
🌿 Garnish Pro Tip
For an elevated presentation, garnish your dish with freshly chopped Parsley. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this cheesy cauliflower rice with hearty baked Trader Joe’s Meatballs, a green salad dressed in Caesar Dressing, and a bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen cauliflower rice. However, please note that the cooking time will be shorter when using fresh cauliflower rice compared to frozen. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the cauliflower reaches the desired tenderness before adding the cheese.
How long should I cook the cauliflower rice before adding the cheese?
You should cook the cauliflower rice until it's tender to your liking before adding the cheese. Cooking times may vary depending on your preference for the texture of the cauliflower rice.
Can I add other vegetables to the cheesy cauliflower rice?
Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to the cheesy cauliflower rice! Onions, carrots, peas, and tomatoes are some great options to consider. Adding these veggies not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrients to the dish.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. This method will keep your leftovers fresh for 5-7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Chili Lime Salmon Cauliflower Fried Rice
Watch How To Make It
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cauliflower Rice
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese cheddar, mozzarella, Mexican blend
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a large skillet, add frozen cauliflower rice and cook for 2-3 minutes or until preferred tenderness is attained. Add butter and mix until melted.
- Season cooked cauliflower rice with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and optional cayenne pepper and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle shredded cheese and microwave for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
