Oh, you guys, get ready for a serious dose of comfort food nostalgia! I’m about to share with you my all-time favorite rice pudding recipe. It’s creamy, dreamy, and takes me right back to my childhood.

This Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding is the real deal. It’s made with simple ingredients like Minute Rice, milk, sugar, and spices, and it bakes in the oven until it’s thick, bubbly, and golden brown on top. It’s the kind of dessert that warms you up from the inside out and makes you feel all cozy and loved.

I remember my grandma used to make this rice pudding for me when I was little, and it was always my favorite. Now, I love making it for my own family and friends, and it always brings back those sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

Nostalgia in Every Bite: This pudding tastes just like the one Grandma used to make! It’s the perfect way to relive those childhood memories or create new ones with your loved ones.
Simple and Satisfying: This recipe is so easy to make, even a beginner cook can master it. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and comforting.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm for a cozy dessert, or chill it in the refrigerator for a cold and creamy treat.
Perfect for Sharing: This pudding is great for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dessert.

Ingredients for Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dessert:

Minute Rice: We’re using Minute Rice for this recipe because it cooks quickly and evenly.
Milk: Whole milk gives the pudding a rich and creamy texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelized top.
Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, comforting note.
Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and spice.
Cinnamon: We’ll use ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top.
Raisins: Plump raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Delight: Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Citrus Zest: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves for a warmer, spicier flavor.

How to Make Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Grab a 1-quart baking dish and give it a good buttering. Then, add the Minute Rice, milk, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and raisins. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bake the Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Don’t forget to stir the pudding after the first 15 minutes of baking and again when it’s done. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a creamy texture.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon

Once the pudding is fully baked and has thickened, sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the rice pudding warm for a cozy dessert, or chill it in the refrigerator for a cold and creamy treat. The pudding will continue to thicken as it stands, so you can adjust the consistency to your liking.

Tips and Tricks

Even Baking: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure the pudding bakes evenly.
Stirring is Key: Don’t forget to stir the pudding a couple of times during baking to prevent sticking and ensure a creamy texture.
Cooling Time: If you’re chilling the pudding, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

How to Serve

This Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

Warm and Cozy: Enjoy it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cold and Creamy: Chill it in the refrigerator and top with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Make it a Parfait: Layer the pudding with granola and fruit for a healthy and delicious parfait.

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the pudding for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice, like long-grain white rice or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this pudding without raisins?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can leave them out or substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

3. Can I make this pudding in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pudding is thickened.

4. How can I reheat the pudding?

You can reheat the pudding in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

There you have it! A classic and comforting rice pudding recipe that will warm your heart and your belly. Enjoy!