Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is a comforting classic dessert that combines creamy, tender rice cooked slowly in milk and eggs. Finished with a caramelized brown sugar topping, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• ¼ cup light brown sugar for topping
• 1 tablespoon salted butter cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the uncooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to incorporate the egg thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the cooked pudding into a 9×9 inch baking dish or individual heat-safe ramekins.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pudding and dot with the small pieces of salted butter.
6. Step 6: Place under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely until the sugar melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the pudding rest for 5 minutes to allow the topping to set. Serve warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

• Use arborio rice instead of long-grain for an even creamier texture.
• For extra richness, substitute half the milk with cream or evaporated milk.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cooking mixture for warm spice notes.
• Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover rice pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. The caramelized topping is best enjoyed fresh, but the pudding remains delicious even without it after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, although long-grain rice is traditional, arborio rice works well for a creamier pudding. Avoid using instant or pre-cooked rice as they can alter the texture.

Why do I add egg to the pudding?

The beaten egg enriches the pudding and helps thicken it, giving the dessert a smooth and custard-like consistency.

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 110 reviews

This classic Old Fashioned Rice Pudding recipe offers a creamy and comforting dessert made by slowly simmering rice in whole milk, sweetened with sugar and enriched with egg and vanilla. Finished with a buttery brown sugar topping caramelized under the broiler, it’s a nostalgic treat perfect served warm or chilled.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop and Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Topping

• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the uncooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the egg evenly throughout the mixture.
2. Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even heating.
3. Slow Simmer: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
4. Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the cooked rice pudding into a 9×9 inch baking dish or divide it evenly into individual heat-safe ramekins.
5. Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar over the top of the pudding and dot with the small pieces of salted butter.
6. Broil: Place the dish under the broiler and watch closely as you broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the sugar melts, becomes bubbly, and turns a golden brown caramelized color.
7. Serve: Allow the pudding to rest for 5 minutes so the topping can set. Serve warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching during long simmering.
• Stir often during simmering to avoid rice sticking or burning on the bottom.
• Watch carefully during broiling to prevent the sugar topping from burning.
• This rice pudding can be served either warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat milk but the richness will be reduced.

Keywords: rice pudding, old fashioned rice pudding, creamy rice dessert, classic dessert, broiled brown sugar topping