Creamy Rice Casserole

Adapted from a cooks country recipe Yum! Cook times approximate

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 1 caserole

Ingredients

• 6  tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
• 4  slices  high-quality  white bread, torn into quarters
• 1  onion, minced
• 1  teaspoon table salt
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4  cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4  cups  whole milk
• 2  cups water
• 3  cups long grain white rice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8  ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
•  lemon wedge (for serving)
•  Tabasco sauce (for serving)

Directions

1. Place oven rack in middle position Heat oven to 400 degrees. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Process melted butter and bread in food processor until coarse crumbs form, about 6 pulses.
2. Melt remaining butter in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion & salt -cook until the onion is very soft and lightly browned, about 9 minutes. Stir in the garlic & cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables. Slowly whisk in the broth, milk, and water. Bring to a simmer, whisking often.
3. Stir in the rice, pepper, & cayenne - bring to a boil. Cover & reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring every 5 minutes, until the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Off the heat, stir in the cheddar. Pour the rice mixture into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs. Bake until the topping is browned and the casserole is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Serve with the lemon wedges and Tabasco.