Tired of having the same old boxed Rice A Roni? Just because this American staple has everything you need to make a meal doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland and boring. If you feel like it’s time to elevate the flavor profile of this easy side dish, then you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re whipping something up for a get-together or just trying to make dinner a little more interesting for your hungry teenager, here are some tips for making your Rice A Roni recipe taste better than ever.
Ways to Cook Rice A Roni
What’s great about Rice A Roni is that you can prepare it in so many different ways. Here are a few options to get you started:
Stovetop: The stovetop method is the standard and most recommended way to cook Rice A Roni. To make it, saute the rice-pasta mix and butter over medium heat until golden brown. Then stir in the water and seasonings. Once it’s boiling, cover and reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can always microwave your Rice A Roni. All you have to do is combine the rice-pasta with butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it uncovered on high for 1 minute. Take it out, stir, and microwave again for 1-2 more minutes or until golden brown.
Oven: For a crispier and more flavorful result, try baking your Rice A Roni in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the Rice A Roni mix according to package instructions. Then add a soup or broth of your choice, stirring to combine. Next, spread the mixture in an oven-safe dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
How to Make Rice A Roni Better
Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to cook your Rice A Roni, let’s get into how to make this box of rice the ultimate tasty side dish.
Make It Cheesy
Cheese makes everything better, and Rice A Roni is no exception. Try adding a mix of Parmesan and cheddar cheese to your Rice A Roni at the end for an easy cheesy treat. You betcha the kids will love it!
Add Protein
Proteins like bacon, chicken, ham, beef, or even canned tuna would add tons of different flavors. It’ll also make the meal more substantial. As a matter of fact, adding meat could easily make this quick side dish a simple and delicious main dish!
Add Veggies
Make your Rice A Roni meal both delicious and nutritious by adding some of your favorite veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, peas, and carrots are all great options to diversify the flavor and add that boost of nutrition.
Make It Herby
Herbs are a great way to add layers of flavor to the plain ol’ boxed stuff. Cook up your Rice A Roni according to package instructions and wait till the end to add fresh herbs like green onions, parsley, or cilantro. Or, you could mix some dried herbs in your spice mix and do it that way.
Add Eggs
What, you say? Eggs and Rice A Roni? Trust us, it’s a match made in heaven — think fried rice or a deconstructed omelet. Just add the eggs to your cooked Rice A Roni and stir-fry it for a few minutes. It’ll give it a unique flavor and texture that you won’t be able to resist.
Spice It Up
There are so many different varieties in which you can spice and season your Rice A Roni. We recommend spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, basil, oregano, and cumin for a great mix of flavors. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations!
Get Saucy
Don’t ever underestimate a good flavorful sauce! A little bit of Worcestershire or soy sauce will give your Rice A Roni a smoked umami flavor that’ll really take this perfect side dish to the next level. Just mix it in while it’s still warm, and be sure to adjust the salt level according to your tastes.
Add Stock/Broth
Using stocks and broths will help give your Rice A Roni a deeper, richer flavor. Try substituting the water with chicken broth or beef broth for an unexpected twist. You can also use vegetable broth if you’d like to make it vegetarian-friendly! Just be sure you reduce it down a bit to thicken up the sauce.
Add Tomatoes
Tomatoes are such a versatile ingredient that can be used in just about everything from salads to pasta dishes. For Rice A Roni, we suggest adding some diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the mix. This will give your dish a nice, vibrant color and add some acidity to balance out all the flavors.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Rice A Roni Better
Rice A Roni is a childhood favorite that many of us can remember fondly. But now that we’re all adults and have a more sophisticated palate, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up and elevate the flavor profile of our meals.
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a main course to impress, the tips above are a surefire way to make your Rice A Roni the tastiest it’s ever been! From adding veggies and proteins to getting flavorful with spices and sauces, the possibilities are truly endless.