This Savory Baked Rice with Mozzarella has always been a specialty of mine because it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a truly delicious and cheesy dish, and in addition to mozzarella, you can add some provola or any other cheese you like. For me, baked rice is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that warms the heart and brings the family together around the table. As a child, the smell of baked rice in the oven was my signal that Sunday lunch was ready, and waiting for that first crispy, cheesy bite was always a moment of pure joy.
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
- 300g (1 ½ cups) rice (e.g., Carnaroli or Arborio)
- 800ml (3 ½ cups) vegetable broth
- 200g (¾ cup) béchamel sauce
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella (or scamorza), cubed
- 150g (5 oz) cooked ham, diced
- 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, diced
- 75g (¾ cup) grated cheese (e.g., Parmesan)
- 1 packet saffron (about 1 tsp)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Breadcrumbs (for topping)
How to Make Savory Baked Rice with Mozzarella
- Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a pot and add the rice. Cook for about 15 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Add the béchamel sauce, saffron (dissolved in a little hot water), grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Fold in the diced ham, bacon, and cubed mozzarella (or scamorza). Stir again to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Lightly grease a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Spread the rice mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- For a crispy crust, sprinkle the top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Tips:
- Baked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, avoid the microwave—instead, warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes to keep it crispy.
- If preparing in advance, assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Enjoy!
