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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Servings: 3 people
Calories: 959kcal
Equipment
- spoon or whisk
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.