Creamy Maroilles and Blonde Beer Slow Cooker Rice Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. The heat from the pepper cuts through the richness of the Maroilles cheese beautifully.

If the sauce appears too thick after stirring, add a very small amount of hot water or additional warm beer to reach your preferred consistency, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.

Serving this dish immediately is crucial, as the creamy cheese sauce will begin to firm up as it cools. Keep your serving plates warm in a low oven before plating the rice to ensure the dish stays at the ideal temperature while eating.

A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the density and intensity of the creamy cheese rice.

Variations

• Mushroom and Thyme: Add two cups of sliced cremini mushrooms during the assembly phase. The earthiness of the mushrooms complements the pungent cheese and adds a lovely texture to the finished rice dish.
• Bacon and Leek: Sauté one cup of sliced leeks and diced bacon before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a salty, savory dimension that works exceptionally well with the creamy Maroilles.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency, stirring constantly until heated through.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it is essential to add a small splash of liquid, such as water or a light broth, to loosen the sauce, as the rice will continue to absorb moisture and the cheese will solidify when cold.

While the components can be prepped in advance, this dish is best cooked fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, store the dry ingredients and the cheese separately in the refrigerator.

Assemble the dish in the slow cooker insert just before you are ready to start the cooking cycle to ensure the rice does not become waterlogged or the cheese begins to degrade.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish as a hearty main course, perhaps accompanied by a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp mustard vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.

The creamy, pungent nature of the Maroilles makes it a substantial meal, so smaller portions are often sufficient. A side of roasted seasonal vegetables also works well to provide texture and color to the plate.

Present the rice in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy, creamy sauce. A light garnish of fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, can be added for a pop of color, though it is not strictly necessary. Ensure everyone has a sturdy spoon, as the creamy texture of the rice is best enjoyed with a bit of sauce in every spoonful for the full experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Maroilles and Blonde Beer Slow Cooker Rice

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup round rice
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cube dry bouillon cube
• 8 oz Maroilles cheese, cut into thick chunks
• 1 cup blonde beer

Instructions

1. Place the round rice in the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly distribute the sliced onions over the rice. Crumble the dry bouillon cube over the top of the onions to ensure even seasoning throughout the cooking process.
2. Pour the blonde beer into the slow cooker, ensuring the rice is submerged. Carefully arrange the thick chunks of Maroilles cheese across the surface of the mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid to trap the moisture and aroma inside.
3. Set the slow cooker to the low setting and cook for four hours. Once the rice is tender and the cheese has created a creamy, glossy sauce, remove the lid. Stir the contents gently to combine the melted cheese with the rice before serving immediately on warm plates.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

14.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.