Hey, Welcome to the Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe. Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice is a hearty Southern-style comfort dish filled with smoky, creamy, savory flavors in every bite.
When I attempted to duplicate that at home, guess what happened? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delightful recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American Southern
Category: Main Dish
History and Origin
Red beans and rice have deep Louisiana roots, inspired by Creole cooking traditions. It began as a Monday washday meal, simmered low and slow with simple ingredients. Restaurants like Cheddar’s later adapted it into a flavorful comfort dish.
What does Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe taste like?
It tastes smoky, creamy, savory, and slightly spicy. The tender red beans blend with sausage and bold Cajun seasoning. The fluffy rice balances the richness, giving every bite warmth and homemade comfort you will enjoy.
By the way, you can also try the Wow Seasoning Recipe.
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry red kidney beans | 1 pound |
| Smoked sausage, sliced | 12 ounces |
| Onion, chopped | 1 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooked white rice | 4 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
- Skillet
- Serving bowls
How to Make Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the beans
Rinse the beans well and soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and keep aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add sausage
Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add seasonings and liquids
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and water. Mix well.
Step 5: Simmer the beans
Add soaked beans. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans become tender and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon cooked rice into bowls and top with generous servings of the red bean mixture.
Recipe Card
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the beans well and soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and keep aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned for extra flavor.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and water. Mix well.
- Add soaked beans. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans become tender and creamy.
- Spoon cooked rice into bowls and top with generous servings of the red bean mixture.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe:
| Nutrition | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with warm cornbread, sweet honey butter, or a crisp green salad. Add sliced green onions or hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
It also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to create a complete Southern-style comfort meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
For longer storage, freeze only the beans, not the rice, to maintain texture. Thaw overnight and warm before serving again.
Flavor Variations
You can customize Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe easily by adjusting the seasonings or ingredients. Add smoked turkey, spicy andouille sausage, or extra vegetables for a deeper flavor.
Each variation still keeps the creamy, hearty base that makes Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice so satisfying.
Tips To Make It Extra Creamy
If you want richer beans, mash a small portion during cooking. Slow simmering also helps the mixture thicken naturally.
The longer the beans cook, the creamier they become. This simple technique brings restaurant-quality texture directly into your homemade version.
How To Adjust The Spice Level
You can make this Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe mild or bold based on your taste.
Reduce Cajun seasoning for a gentler flavor or add crushed red pepper and hot sauce for extra heat. Adjusting spice levels is the easiest way to personalize this dish.
Best Side Dishes To Pair With It
Many comforting sides complement this dish beautifully. Cornbread, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or fried okra add texture and balance.
Pairing the beans with lighter sides creates a complete Southern-inspired meal that feels hearty yet satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Why This Recipe Saves Time
This recipe may seem long, but it actually simplifies cooking because everything simmers together.
Once the vegetables and sausage are sautéed, the pot does most of the work. It’s perfect for busy days when you want comforting food without constant effort.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid adding salt early because beans may toughen. Do not rush the simmering process because slow cooking develops flavor and creaminess.
Also, ensure beans are fully soaked to help them cook evenly. These small details make your dish turn out perfect.
Conclusion
This Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe brings the true comfort of Cheddar’s right to your table with simple steps and rich flavors. I know you will enjoy every bite of this warm and filling dish.
With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How spicy is Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice?
It is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, but reduce simmering time. The flavor may be slightly less creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes, the beans freeze perfectly. Store them for up to two months.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works great and adds a nutty flavor.
You will also like the Jersey Mike’s Chipotle Mayo Recipe.
