Grab For Eats Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of Southern cooking straight to your kitchen. If you’ve ever visited Cheddars and tried their signature seasoned rice with red beans, you know just how delicious and satisfying this dish is. The best part is, you don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy it! With just a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can recreate this iconic dish at home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through Cheddars’ red beans and rice recipe, share some tips on rice and beans benefits, and even suggest some perfect pairings for this tasty dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household
What Is Cheddars, and Why Is Their Red Beans and Rice So Popular?
Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, a popular American chain restaurant, is known for its hearty portions and made-from-scratch dishes. Since its founding in 1979, Cheddars has grown into a beloved brand for those seeking classic comfort food with a homemade touch. Their Red Beans and Rice recipe is a standout, featuring tender red kidney beans, flavorful smoked ham, and seasoned rice that’s the perfect side to complement any meal.
The dish reflects the rich culinary traditions of Southern cooking, where beans and rice are staple comfort foods. Whether served with fried chicken, grilled meats, or enjoyed on its own, Cheddars Red Beans and Rice is always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe at Home
Making Cheddars Red Beans and Rice at home is easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a dish that’s just as flavorful as the one served at the restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this dish so special. We’ve included health benefits for each ingredient, so you can feel good about the meal you’re preparing!
- Smoked Ham: Smoked ham is the heart of this dish. It adds a savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the beans and rice. Ham is a good source of protein, and it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium.
- Red Kidney Beans: Red beans are a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, they’re great for heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds the perfect amount of richness to the dish. You can also opt for healthier alternatives like olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Onions: Onions are a flavorful base for many dishes, and they bring a touch of sweetness to your beans and rice. They’re high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support immune health.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers provide vibrant color and a slight sweetness to the dish. They’re packed with vitamin C and other nutrients that help boost your immune system.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves add a subtle fragrance to your dish, enhancing the overall flavor. While not typically eaten, they contribute to the complex taste of the recipe.
- Thyme: Thyme is an herb commonly used in Southern cooking, known for its earthy flavor and antibacterial properties.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color to your dish but also offers a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, which support bone health and digestion.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish to perfection. Black pepper also has antioxidants, while salt helps balance the flavors.
- White Rice: White rice is the perfect base for this dish. It has a mild, neutral flavor that absorbs the rich broth of the beans, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheddars Red Beans and Rice
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s dive into the simple steps to make Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe!
- Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your red kidney beans overnight in 6 quarts of water. If you’re short on time, use the quick-soak method (see tips section).
- Cook the Beans: Place the soaked beans in a heavy pot with 6 quarts of fresh water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let the beans simmer for about an hour, or until they’re tender.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, stirring until they soften and begin to change color (around 10 minutes). Once done, add them to the pot with the beans.
- Brown the Ham: In the same frying pan, brown the diced smoked ham cubes. When the ham is fully browned, add it to the bean pot.
- Add the Seasonings: Now, it’s time to enhance the flavor! Add thyme, parsley, vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little water as needed.
- Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Discard the bay leaves and serve the beans and ham over warm, cooked white rice.
What to Pair with Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Cheddars Red Beans and Rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside:
- Fried Chicken: The crispy, savory chicken complements the creamy beans and fluffy rice perfectly.
- Grilled Shrimp: Lightly seasoned grilled shrimp adds a delicious seafood touch to this Southern classic. Hmm, we happen to have a Super Savory Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya that will be a great option!
- Barbecue Ribs: Tender, smoky ribs pair wonderfully with the comforting flavors of red beans and rice.
- Collard Greens: For a true Southern feast, add a side of collard greens, which bring a slightly bitter contrast to the rich beans and rice. Try this Patti LaBelle Collard Greens Recipe.
Utensils You’ll Need
To make the Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe, you’ll need a few basic utensils:
- A large soup pot for cooking the beans
- A frying pan for sautéing the vegetables and browning the ham
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and meat
- A cutting board for preparing the ingredients
Special Occasions and Holidays to Enjoy Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe
The Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe is perfect for a wide range of occasions. Here are a few ideas:
- Family Gatherings: This dish is hearty enough to feed a crowd, making it great for family dinners or potlucks.
- Holidays: Serve this Southern classic during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s a wonderful side dish to complement holiday feasts.
- Casual Weeknight Meals: Looking for a comforting dinner after a long day? This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals.
Easy to Make Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Frying pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- ½ cup white rice
- 3 lb red kidney beans
- 3 lb smoked ham
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 onions
- 3 bell peppers
- 9 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp dry thyme
- ⅓ cup parsley
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your red kidney beans overnight in 6 quarts of water. If you’re short on time, use the quick-soak method (see tips section).
- Cook the Beans: Place the soaked beans in a heavy pot with 6 quarts of fresh water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let the beans simmer for about an hour, or until they’re tender.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, stirring until they soften and begin to change color (around 10 minutes). Once done, add them to the pot with the beans.
- Brown the Ham: In the same frying pan, brown the diced smoked ham cubes. When the ham is fully browned, add it to the bean pot.
- Add the Seasonings: Now, it’s time to enhance the flavor! Add thyme, parsley, vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Let everything simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little water as needed.
- Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Discard the bay leaves and serve the beans and ham over warm, cooked white rice.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and quality smoked ham. It makes a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Rush: Let the beans simmer and absorb all the flavors. Patience is key to creating a rich, flavorful dish.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste as you go! Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.
- Quick-Soak Method: If you don’t have time to soak the beans overnight, use the quick-soak method. Boil the beans for 20 minutes, then let them sit for an hour before cooking.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts on Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Cheddars Red Beans and Rice Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to recreate at home. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this Southern classic anytime. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, so get cooking!
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