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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 6, 2023 | Last Updated on March 24, 2024
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is a popular restaurant chain in the United States. They offer delicious American classics made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice dish is a classic Cajun-style dish that has been loved by diners for decades!
This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy this easy and delicious dish with your family!
Follow the steps below to make a classic Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice dish that everyone will love. This savory and tangy meal is sure to become a favorite in your home!
What is Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice?
Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice is a classic Cajun-style dish. It features red beans and long grain white rice cooked in a flavorful broth with sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, celery, and spices.
This dish has all the flavors of Louisiana cooking – smoky, tangy, and just a bit spicy. This dish is great for weeknights, as it can be made in one pot and ready in about an hour.
It’s also perfect for entertaining; the combination of flavors will please everyone in your family or at gatherings. Red beans & rice is a classic that never disappoints!
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What does it taste like?
Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice has a unique flavor profile that is part smoky, part tangy, and ever-so-slightly spicy. The sausage adds a delicious smokiness to the dish, while the cajun seasoning adds a complex depth of flavor.
The red beans and long grain white rice add texture and absorb all the flavors from the broth. This dish is comforting and satisfying but not overly heavy.
The bright flavor of parsley brings all the ingredients together and adds a herby freshness to the dish. It’s an easy but delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How did I first get introduced to Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice?
I first got introduced to Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice when I visited one of their restaurants for the first time. I was looking for a comforting meal and decided to try this classic dish. As soon as I tasted it, I knew it was something special!
The smoky sausage combined with the tangy spices and creamy red beans and rice was an absolute delight. Every bite was full of flavor and I just couldn’t get enough!
I knew I had to try to recreate this dish at home, so I researched the ingredients and tried my hand at making it. After a few tries, I finally perfected the recipe and now make it regularly for my family.
Making Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice at home isn’t difficult and the result is always satisfying. I love to add some freshly grated cheddar cheese on top, as well as diced tomatoes, parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
It’s one of my favorite recipes to make and it’s always a hit with my family! I highly recommend you give it a try, if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it!
How to make Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice?
Making Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice at home is surprisingly easy. All you need are a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make this classic dish.
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Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: This will be used to cook the sausage and other ingredients.
- Smoked andouille sausage: This type of sausage is common in Cajun cuisine. It adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Onion, bell pepper, celery: These vegetables add texture and flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic adds an earthy flavor to the dish.
- Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is what gives this dish its classic Cajun flavor.
- Chicken broth: The chicken broth helps to create a flavorful liquid for the beans and rice.
- Red beans: Red beans are an essential ingredient in any red beans & rice dish.
- Cayenne, ground sage, salt and ground black pepper: These spices add a bit of heat and a depth of flavor.
- Bay leaf: Bay leaves are often used in Cajun dishes for an earthy flavor.
- Long grain white rice/or basmati rice: Rice is an essential part of red beans & rice. Long grain white rice or basmati rice will work best.
- Fresh parsley: The fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal flavor to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and sausage is lightly browned.
Step 3
Add the chicken broth, red beans, cayenne, ground sage, salt, ground black pepper and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Step 4
Serve the red beans over rice!
Tips and tricks
- Use good quality sausage for the best flavor.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of cajun seasoning.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the sausage and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or splash of hot sauce to give your red beans & rice an extra kick!
- Top your red beans & rice with diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and/or grated cheddar cheese.
- For creamy red beans & rice, stir in ½ cup of sour cream at the end.
- To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- For an even heartier dish, try adding diced ham or bacon.
- If you don’t have any Cajun seasoning on hand, make your own using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Red beans & rice can be served over cooked greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Cheddar’s Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is a popular restaurant chain in the United States. They offer delicious American classics made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Cheddar's Red Beans & Rice dish is a classic Cajun-style dish that has been loved by diners for decades! This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy this easy and delicious dish with your family!
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 959kcal
Equipment
spoon or whisk
Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced, lending a fresh and crisp taste, providing a subtle bitterness that balances the other flavors.
- 1/2 small onion diced, contributing a mild and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the aromatic profile of the dish.
- 1 celery stalk diced, adding a refreshing and earthy note, contributing a pleasant crunch and enhancing the overall texture.
- 1 and 1/2 cloves garlic minced, releasing its pungent and aromatic essence, elevating the savory profile of the dish.
- 1/2 bay leaf infusing the dish with a subtle herbal note, enhancing the overall aroma and depth of flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning delivering a bold and zesty blend of spices, bringing a delightful heat and complexity to the dish.
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice or basmati rice providing a delicate and fluffy texture, serving as a comforting bed for the beans.
- 1/16 teaspoon ground sage imparting a warm and earthy aroma, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 6 ounces smoked andouille sausage sliced, infusing a smoky and savory essence, adding depth and complexity to the beans.
- 1 can red beans drained and rinsed, providing a creamy and velvety texture, while also adding a robust flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon diced fresh parsley adding a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal taste, enhancing the presentation and flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne adding a fiery kick and a vibrant heat, enhancing the overall spiciness of the beans.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper more to taste, adding a subtle heat and a hint of spiciness, complementing the other flavors.
- 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth infusing the beans with a rich and savory base, intensifying the flavors and adding moisture.
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil providing a fruity and robust flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste, enhancing the natural tastes of the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced seasoning.
Instructions
Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and sausage is lightly browned.
Add the chicken broth, red beans, cayenne, ground sage, salt, ground black pepper and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Serve the red beans over rice!
Notes
- Use good quality sausage for the best flavor.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of cajun seasoning.
- To make this dish vegan, omit the sausage and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or splash of hot sauce to give your red beans & rice an extra kick!
- Top your red beans & rice with diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and/or grated cheddar cheese.
- For creamy red beans & rice, stir in ½ cup of sour cream at the end.
- To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- For an even heartier dish, try adding diced ham or bacon.
- If you don’t have any Cajun seasoning on hand, make your own using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Red beans & rice can be served over cooked greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Keyword: Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice Recipe
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice?
- Cornbread: The perfect accompaniment to a dish like this is some freshly made cornbread.
- Green Salad: Balance out the smokiness of the red beans & rice with a crisp, green salad.
- Hot Sauce: Add some extra spice and kick to the dish by adding a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
- Fried Okra: The crunchy texture of fried okra is a great contrast to the creamy red beans & rice.
- Collard Greens: Cooked collard greens are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with this smoky dish.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For something a bit on the sweeter side, try serving your red beans & rice with some crispy sweet potato fries.
- Mac and Cheese: Make it a classic Southern meal by serving your red beans & rice with some creamy homemade mac and cheese.
- Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw is an easy way to add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.
How to store leftover Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice?
Leftover red beans & rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To store, transfer the cooled red beans & rice to an airtight container and refrigerate.
When you are ready to eat, reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave with a few tablespoons of water until hot. You can also freeze leftover red beans & rice for up to 3 months.
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a few tablespoons of water until hot.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can eat this Cheddar’s Red Beans & Rice, but should be aware of some important food safety considerations. Pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked sausage as it may contain harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness.
In addition, pregnant women should be sure to check the label on any pre-packaged seasonings, such as cajun seasoning, for added salt or sugar. Too much of either can be harmful to both the mother and baby’s health.
Additionally, pregnant women should avoid eating raw parsley as it may contain bacteria that could cause foodborne illness.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can certainly use canned beans instead of dried beans in this dish. Just be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot.
Is it possible to make a vegan version of this dish?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version of this dish, omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add diced tofu for added protein.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize this dish and add other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Just be sure to cook the vegetables until softened before adding the red beans.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, to make this dish spicier you can add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You could also add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn about this easy and delicious red beans & rice recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of smoky red beans & rice any night of the week!
Now that you know the basics of making red beans & rice, why not give it a try? We promise that if you follow our article, you won’t be disappointed! Do not forget to share this article with your friends and family.
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Author Profile
Lori Walker, MS, RD
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
