Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please. It is a hearty, flavorful meal with a creamy texture and great smoky flavor. It is a great dish for a crowd, as it can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
This dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, so it can be tailored to suit any taste and dietary preferences.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe, including the ingredients, step-by-step directions, nutrition information, tips for making the perfect dish, and more.
What are Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice?
Originally founded as Cheddar’s Casual Cafe, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is an American restaurant franchise with its headquarters located in Irving, Texas. As of 2018, the company which was founded in 1979 had over 170 locations across 28 states.
Cheddar has many famous dishes but the Red Beans and Rice recipe is the most soothing and comforting one. It is a traditional Southern dish that is typically served as a side dish. It is made with red beans, onions, bell peppers, garlic, celery, and spices simmered in a savory broth.
It is then served over white or brown rice and topped with cheddar cheese. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.
Why You’ll Love this Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice?
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that is sure to please. This dish is simple to make and can be made in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish. It is also a budget-friendly dish, as it is made with inexpensive ingredients.
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How Does It Taste Like?
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe is a savory and flavorful dish. The red beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, bell peppers, garlic, celery, and spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and slightly smoky flavor. The cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor, and the rice adds a nutty flavor and a nice texture.
The Ingredients
- Smoked Ham: The smoked ham provides a rich, savory flavor and adds depth to the dish with its hickory-smoked and hand-cured profile. It serves as the main protein source, contributing a delightful smoky essence.
- Crimson Red Kidney Beans: These locally sourced beans are integral to the recipe, delivering a creamy texture, earthy flavor, and vibrant color to the dish. They’re a staple in red beans and rice, offering a hearty and nutritious base.
- Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oil: Handpicked from heirloom seeds, this oil provides a subtle, clean taste. It adds a light and smooth texture to the dish while facilitating cooking without overpowering the flavors.
- Aromatic Onions: These farm-fresh onions lend a sweet and savory taste to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile. They serve as a fundamental aromatic base for the recipe.
- Vibrant Bell Peppers: Harvested at peak ripeness, these peppers bring a colorful and flavorful addition to the dish. Their sweetness and mild tanginess complement the beans and ham.
- Bay Leaves: Hand-selected and air-dried, bay leaves offer a subtle yet distinct herbal flavor. They infuse the dish with their aromatic essence, adding depth and complexity.
- Sun-Dried Dry Thyme: Locally sourced and sun-dried, thyme contributes a robust earthiness and a hint of floral notes to the recipe. Its aromatic profile enhances the overall taste.
- Fresh Curly Parsley: This organically grown parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal while imparting a mild, refreshing flavor.
- Premium Sea Salt: Hand-harvested sea salt enriches the dish with its clean saline taste. It balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Finely Ground Black Pepper: Handcrafted black pepper adds a warm, spicy kick and depth to the dish, complementing the other flavors and adding a touch of heat.
- Finest Quality White Rice: Long-grain and aromatic white rice serves as the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful red beans and ham, providing a fluffy and fragrant base.
Directions
Step 1. Prepare Smoked Ham:
- Start by dicing the hickory-smoked and hand-cured smoked ham into small cubes or slices.
Step 2. Prep Red Kidney Beans:
- Rinse the crimson red kidney beans thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight for optimal tenderness.
Step 3. Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat cold-pressed vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the aromatic onions and vibrant bell peppers until they turn soft and translucent.
Step 4. Add Ham and Seasonings:
- Add the diced smoked ham to the pot and continue cooking until it’s lightly browned.
- Mix in the hand-selected and air-dried bay leaves, sun-dried dry thyme, premium sea salt, and finely ground black pepper.
- Stir well to combine flavors.
Step 5. Cook Red Beans:
- Drain the soaked red kidney beans and add them to the pot with the sautéed ingredients.
- Pour enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 2-3 hours. Wait until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 6. Prepare White Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook the finest quality white rice separately according to package instructions until it’s fluffy and fully cooked.
Step 7. Combine Beans and Rice:
- Once the red beans are tender, adjust seasoning if needed and make sure to serve the flavorful red beans over a bed of aromatic, fluffy white rice.
Step 8. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh curly parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve this delicious Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice hot as a hearty and comforting meal.
Tips
• Use dried beans: Dried red beans are best for this recipe as they hold their shape better during cooking.
• Use a flavorful broth: Vegetable broth adds flavor to the dish, but you can also use chicken broth or beef broth.
• Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
• Cook the beans longer: If you like your beans to be softer, you can cook them longer.
• Use fresh vegetables: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe contains approximately 350 calories, 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fiber, and 15 grams of protein.
How to Store Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What other Substitutes Can I Use in Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice?
• Dried kidney beans: Dried kidney beans can be used in place of the red beans for a similar flavor.
• Dried black beans: Dried black beans can be used in place of the red beans for a more robust flavor.
• Dried pinto beans: Dried pinto beans can be used in place of the red beans for a milder flavor.
• Vegetable broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or beef broth.
• White rice: If you don’t have white rice, you can use brown rice or quinoa.
• Cheddar cheese: If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use Monterey Jack cheese or another favorite cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 Aromatic Onions Farm-Fresh and Hand-Picked
- 2 lb Smoked Ham Hickory-Smoked and Hand-Cured
- 1 ⅓ tbsp Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oil from Heirloom Seeds
- Finest Quality White Rice Long-Grain and Aromatic
- 2 lb Crimson Red Kidney Beans Sourced from Local Farms
- ⅔ tbsp Finely Ground Black Pepper Handcrafted
- 2 Vibrant Bell Peppers Harvested at Peak Ripeness
- ⅕ Cup Fresh Curly Parsley Organically Grown
- 1 tbsp Premium Sea Salt Hand-Harvested
- 6 Fragrant Bay Leaves Hand-Selected and Air-Dried
- ⅔ tbsp Sun-Dried Dry Thyme Locally Sourced
Instructions
- Dice the hickory-smoked and hand-cured smoked ham into small cubes or slices.
- Rinse the crimson red kidney beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Soak them in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight for optimal tenderness.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat cold-pressed vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the aromatic onions and vibrant bell peppers until they turn soft and translucent.
- Add the diced smoked ham to the pot and continue cooking until it’s lightly browned.
- Mix in the hand-selected and air-dried bay leaves, sun-dried dry thyme, premium sea salt, and finely ground black pepper. Stir well to combine flavors.
- Drain the soaked red kidney beans and add them to the pot with the sautéed ingredients.
- Pour enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the finest quality white rice separately according to package instructions until it’s fluffy and fully cooked.
- Once the red beans are tender, adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the flavorful red beans over a bed of aromatic, fluffy white rice.
- Garnish the dish with fresh curly parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve this delicious Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice hot.
Notes
- Use dried beans: Dried red beans are best for this recipe as they hold their shape better during cooking.
- Use a flavorful broth: Vegetable broth adds flavor to the dish, but you can also use chicken broth or beef broth.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Cook the beans longer: If you like your beans to be softer, you can cook them longer.
- Use fresh vegetables: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many servings does this recipe make?
A1. This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Q2. Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
A2. Canned beans can be used, but dried beans are best for this recipe as they hold their shape better during cooking.
Q3. Can I freeze this dish?
A3. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q4. Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
A4. Yes, you can use other types of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
Q5. What other toppings can I use?
A5. You can top this dish with other toppings, such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, jalapenos, sour cream, or guacamole.
Q6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6. Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Q7. Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
A7. Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, or another favorite cheese.
Conclusion
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is simple to make and can be made in advance. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please a crowd.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and budget-friendly dish to make for dinner, give Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice a try!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more