Best Easy Arroz con Crema Recipe

Rice baked with Mexican crema, poblano strips, and corn for a rich, comforting casserole. This vegetarian family side offers creamy, indulgent flavors alongside any main course.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#Vegetarian #Mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long-grain white rice 1 cup
  • Mexican crema 1 cup
  • fresh corn kernels 1 cup
  • poblano peppers 2 pieces
  • shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • ground black pepper 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 40 g 50%
Protein 7 g 9%
Fat 14 g 41%
Serving size 185g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 2-quart baking dish using 1 tablespoon of butter.

  2. 2

    Roast poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until skins blister, then peel, deseed, and cut into thin strips.

  3. 3

    Cook rice by simmering 1 cup rice with 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt on low heat, covered, until tender and fluffy, about 18 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, crema, corn, poblano strips, Monterey Jack cheese, and remaining butter. Add black pepper and stir thoroughly until well combined.

  5. 5

    Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a lightly golden top.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Mexican crema is the essential ingredient that gives Arroz con Crema its signature rich, creamy character. Combined with poblano peppers and corn, it creates a distinctive, comforting flavor that defines this casserole.
Q. What is the most important heat control step?
Ensuring the rice is simmered gently on low heat and letting it cool slightly before mixing prevents mushiness and maintains the perfect texture. Equally, roasting poblanos thoroughly for easy peeling is crucial for flavor and consistency.
Q. How do I avoid a soggy or dry casserole?
Careful measurement and mixing of crema with rice creates balance—the casserole stays creamy but not watery. Baking covered preserves moisture; removing foil at the end allows the surface to set and become lightly golden, preventing over-drying.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving?
Each 185g serving delivers about 320 kcal, 40g carbohydrates (50%), 7g protein (9%), and 14g fat (41%). This makes the dish rich and satisfying without excessive protein or fat—ideal as a vegetarian side.
Q. Which seasoning is most important for flavor enhancement?
A full teaspoon of kosher salt is vital for bringing out the flavors of rice and crema, while ground black pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the roasted poblano and corn.
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