Amazing Old Fashioned Rice

This old-fashioned rice pudding brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen, with its comforting aroma filling the house. The recipe uses quick-cooking rice to create a creamy, nostalgic dessert that balances sweetness with warm spices for the perfect comfort food experience.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly harsh winter when comfort food was essential. Now it has become our family's go to dessert whenever someone needs a little cheering up or we want to celebrate simple moments together.

Ingredients

• Minute Rice: Provides the perfect texture without hours of cooking. It absorbs the liquid while maintaining a pleasant bite
• Milk: Creates the creamy base that defines good rice pudding. Whole milk works best for richness
• Sugar: Sweetens without overwhelming. The amount can be adjusted based on your preference
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the finished pudding
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Vanilla extract: Provides depth and warmth. Use real extract rather than imitation for best results
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Fresh grated makes a noticeable difference
• Cinnamon: Brings familiar comfort and a beautiful aroma when sprinkled on top
• Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and pleasant chewiness throughout the pudding

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Mixture:

Butter a 1 quart baking dish generously to prevent sticking. Combine Minute Rice, milk, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, and raisins directly in the dish, stirring thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. The raisins tend to clump together, so take extra care to separate them throughout the mixture.

Initial Baking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the dish on the middle rack. Let it bake for 15 minutes undisturbed as the rice begins to absorb the liquid and the flavors start to meld together.

Mid Bake Stirring:

After the first 15 minutes, carefully remove the dish and give everything a good stir. This crucial step prevents the rice from settling at the bottom and ensures even cooking. Return the dish to the oven for the remaining 45 minutes.

Final Touches:

Once the full hour has passed, you will notice the pudding has thickened but still looks somewhat loose. Remove from the oven and stir once more to incorporate any skin that may have formed. While still hot, sprinkle cinnamon across the top which will release its aroma in the heat. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.

Pin it

The raisins are my favorite part of this pudding. They plump up beautifully during baking, absorbing the sweet milky mixture and providing little bursts of concentrated flavor. My father always picked around them as a child, but now considers them the best part too.

Storage and Leftovers

This rice pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. In fact, many people prefer it after it has been chilled overnight as the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more luscious. When reheating individual portions, add a small splash of milk and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. The added milk restores the creamy consistency that thickens naturally during refrigeration.

Creative Variations

While this classic recipe stands perfectly on its own, it also serves as a wonderful canvas for experimentation. Try replacing the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for different flavor profiles. Coconut milk can substitute for regular milk for a tropical twist. Add a tablespoon of orange zest or lemon zest for brightness, or stir in a teaspoon of cardamom instead of nutmeg for an Indian inspired version. Each variation maintains the comforting essence while offering a new experience.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this humble pudding into an elegant dessert by serving it in stemmed glasses layered with fresh berries and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. For breakfast, warm the pudding slightly and top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. At holiday gatherings, create a rice pudding bar with various toppings like toasted nuts, fruit compotes, and chocolate shavings. The versatility of this simple dessert makes it appropriate for both casual family meals and special occasions.

Pin it

The History Behind the Dish

Rice pudding has roots in cultures worldwide, dating back centuries. This particular version with quick cooking rice represents the American adaptation that gained popularity in the 1950s when convenience foods became household staples. Despite its shortcuts, this recipe maintains the soul warming qualities that made rice pudding a beloved dessert across generations. The simplicity reflects an era when desserts were unpretentious yet satisfying, designed to nourish both body and spirit without elaborate techniques or ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of rice should I use?

Minute Rice is recommended for quick cooking and ideal texture. Other types may require longer cooking times.

→ Can I substitute the raisins?

Yes, you can replace raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave them out entirely if preferred.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and bake it, then chill in the fridge. It develops rich flavors as it cools.

→ What toppings pair well with this dessert?

Try fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh fruits like berries or bananas, or chopped nuts for added texture.