BBQ Cheddar Rice Recipe for Summer

I’ll never forget the first time I brought my BBQ cheddar rice to a summer cookout, people practically licked their plates clean! This creamy, cheesy side dish has become my secret weapon for outdoor gatherings. The way the cheddar melts into the fluffy rice while cooking on the barbecue creates something truly magical. Trust me, your friends will be nudging you for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first helping.

Why You’ll Love this BBQ Cheesy Rice

Comfort food enthusiasts, get ready for a flavour explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

This BBQ cheddar rice isn’t your average side dish—it’s a revolutionary dish for summer gatherings when you want something that’ll impress without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

What makes this recipe special is its incredible flavour profile. The sharp cheddar brings a rich creaminess that perfectly balances the subtle hints of Worcestershire, marjoram, and thyme.

I’ve found that the spinach adds just the right touch of colour and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.

Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first helping.

It’s comfort food with a summery twist that’s both familiar and exciting!

What Ingredients are in BBQ Cheesy Rice?

The heart of any good BBQ cheddar rice dish is the perfect balance of creamy, savoury elements that complement each other brilliantly.

You’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create this comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with your summer barbecue mains. What I love about this recipe is how it transforms humble rice into something truly special with just a handful of carefully selected ingredients.

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1 (10 ounce) package chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 4 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided into 2 cups and 1/2 cup)
• Salt and pepper to taste

When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your cheddar really does make a difference.

I recommend using a properly aged sharp cheddar rather than a mild variety, as it stands up better to the other flavours. And don’t skip the spinach, it not only adds lovely colour contrast but also sneaks in some nutrition to what might otherwise be a purely indulgent dish.

You might be tempted to use pre-grated cheese for convenience, but freshly grated cheddar melts much more smoothly, giving you that irresistible creamy texture we’re aiming for.

How to Make this BBQ Cheesy Rice

To prepare this mouthwatering BBQ cheddar rice on your outdoor cooker, you’ll need to adjust your approach from the traditional oven method. Start by cooking 1 cup of long-grain rice according to packet instructions, this can actually be done beforehand in your kitchen to save time at the barbecue.

Meanwhile, set up your BBQ for indirect cooking, aiming for a temperature of about 180°C (that’s 350°F for those who haven’t gone metric yet).

For the next step, place a cast-iron skillet or BBQ-safe pan on the grill over direct heat. Melt 1/4 cup of butter, then add 2 tablespoons of chopped onions and sauté until they’re beautifully soft and translucent. This is where the magic begins, the aroma of butter and onions wafting across the garden, quite possibly making the neighbours rather jealous.

Once your onions are done, remove the pan from direct heat and combine with your cooked rice, well-drained 10-ounce package of spinach (really give it a good squeeze to remove excess moisture), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried marjoram and thyme, 4 slightly beaten eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 2 cups of that gorgeous sharp cheddar cheese.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.

Now comes the BBQ magic, place your dish back on the grill using indirect heat (perhaps on a Kamado BBQ’s deflector plate or the Ozpig with its oven attachment). Cover the BBQ and let it work its wonders for 30-40 minutes until the centre is set when gently touched. This versatile cooking method allows for maintaining stable temperatures, perfect for achieving that creamy consistency.

The advantage of cooking this on a BBQ rather than in your kitchen oven? That subtle smokiness that infuses into the dish, giving it a proper outdoor-cooked character that simply can’t be replicated indoors.

The cheese should be bubbling and slightly golden on top, with those crispy bits around the edges that everyone fights over. And there we have it, a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s been upgraded with proper BBQ credentials.

BBQ Cheesy Rice Substitutions and Variations

To adapt the Cheddar Rice Side-Dish for BBQ cooking:

Monolith Kamado BBQ Options

• Indirect Cooking: Set up the kamado for indirect heat at 350°F (approximately 175°C), place the casserole dish on the deflector plate and cook for 40-45 minutes.
• Baking: Use the kamado as an oven, maintaining 350°F (approximately 175°C) for the recommended cooking time.
• Smoking: Add wood chips for a smoky flavour while baking indirectly.

Ozpig & Big Pig Stove Adaptations

• Oven Baking: Use the oven attachment, maintaining a temperature of 350°F (approximately 175°C).
• Pot Cooking: Transfer ingredients to a cast iron Dutch oven, cover, and place on direct heat, then add coals on the lid.
• Plancha Cooking: For a crispy bottom layer, cook the mixture on the plancha before finishing in the oven attachment.

Pit Barrel Cooker Methods

• Indirect Roasting: Place the casserole on the grill grate away from direct heat.
• Charcoal Cooking: Use a cast iron skillet, cover with foil, and place on the grill grate.

Variations for BBQ Cooking

• Add smoked cheddar instead of regular for an enhanced BBQ flavour.
• Mix in 1/4 cup BBQ sauce to the base recipe.
• Top with crushed BBQ potato crisps for texture.
• Add 1 cup pulled pork or smoked brisket for a hearty main dish.
• Use smoked paprika and a hint of liquid smoke if the cooking method doesn’t allow for actual smoking.
• Consider using the Monolith Avantgarde Classic Black Kamado Grill for a versatile cooking experience that enhances flavour and cooking techniques.

What to Serve with BBQ Cheesy Rice

Now that your BBQ Cheesy Rice is bubbling with flavour, let’s talk perfect pairings! This hearty side dish deserves equally delicious companions on your plate.

I love serving it alongside grilled chicken thighs or a juicy steak – the savoury meat flavour pairings complement the cheesy goodness beautifully.

For a complete meal, add some bright vegetables like roasted bell peppers or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette. The fresh crunch balances the rich, creamy rice texture.

If you’re hosting a backyard gathering, try setting up a spread of side dishes including corn on the cob, coleslaw, and garlic bread.

Your guests can customise their plates while the BBQ Cheesy Rice remains the star attraction!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this BBQ Cheddar Rice recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level. I’ve served this dish at countless summer gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands strong on its own.

• Make ahead – prepare the dish up to a day before and just reheat when needed
• Customise the spice level to suit your family’s preference
• Use fresh herbs if you have them for an extra flavour enhancement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this BBQ cheesy rice recipe in advance?

Diligent meal prep makes this cheddar rice perfect for advance preparation. I’d assemble it the day before, refrigerate, then bake when needed. You’ll enjoy incredible flavour variations by tweaking the cheese or herbs.

How Long Does Leftover BBQ Cheesy Rice Stay Fresh?

I would store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For the best tips on storing leftovers and maintaining freshness, reheat thoroughly with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Is This Dish Suitable for Freezing?

Yes, I’d recommend freezing this dish in airtight storage containers. When using proper freezing techniques, the rice and cheese mixture maintains quality for up to three months after cooling completely.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

I wouldn’t recommend a slow cooker for this rice dish. The eggs and milk need the direct heat of an oven to set properly. Consider other BBQ alternatives that don’t require baking.

How Spicy Is the BBQ Flavour in This Rice Dish?

Caught in a flavour mirage! There’s actually no BBQ or spiciness in this dish. The cheddar and herbs create a savoury flavour balance without sweet heat. It’s purely a cheesy spinach rice casserole.