20 Flavor-Packed Rice Recipes Everyone Will Want to Try

Rice is endlessly versatile, and this roundup proves it with 20 recipes that are comforting, creative, and easy to make. From savory stir-fries and casseroles to sweet treats and festive desserts, there’s a rice recipe for every craving and occasion. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or holiday celebrations, these dishes make mealtime simple, flavorful, and fun. With options for every palate, you’ll discover just how exciting rice can be in both savory and sweet dishes.

Festive Mexican Rice Salad

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Festive Mexican rice salad combines cooked rice with colorful vegetables, beans, and spices. A tangy dressing brings all the flavors together. It’s vibrant, fresh, and perfect as a side or light meal. Each bite is lively and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Festive Mexican Rice Salad

Easy Shrimp Fried Rice With Egg

Shrimp fried rice with egg features tender shrimp, scrambled eggs, and stir-fried rice. Soy sauce and aromatics add bold flavor. Quick cooking preserves the texture of both shrimp and rice. A fast, flavorful meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Fried Rice With Egg

Easy Black Rice Pudding: A Hearty, Delicious Dessert

Black rice pudding is rich, slightly nutty, and creamy. Sweetened with sugar or coconut milk, it’s comforting and indulgent. The rice retains a chewy texture that contrasts with the smooth base. Ideal as a unique dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Rice Pudding: A Hearty, Delicious Dessert

Instant Pot Sticky Maple Ginger Rice Noodles

A bowl of cooked noodles garnished with herbs and red pepper flakes sits on a dark cloth, with chopsticks placed nearby. — Instant Pot Sticky Maple Ginger Rice Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sticky maple ginger rice noodles are flavored with sweet maple syrup and fresh ginger. The noodles are tender yet slightly sticky. Cooking in the Instant Pot saves time while intensifying flavor. A simple, savory-sweet dish for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sticky Maple Ginger Rice Noodles

Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

Coconut lime rice is creamy, fragrant, and slightly tangy. Coconut milk adds richness while lime brightens the flavor. Quick to prepare on the stovetop. Pairs well with seafood, chicken, or vegetarian mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

Fajita rice casserole combines peppers, onions, chicken, and rice in one pan. Spices give the dish a warm, smoky flavor. Cheese or toppings add richness. It’s an easy, colorful, and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

M&M Rice Krispie Treats

M&M Rice Krispie treats are crispy, sweet, and chocolate-studded. Marshmallows bind the cereal together while colorful candies add crunch. Each bite is playful and satisfying. Perfect for dessert or snacks.
Get the Recipe: M&M Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate Chip Rice Krispies Cookies

Chocolate chip Rice Krispies cookies blend crispy cereal with sweet chocolate chips. The cookies are chewy with a crisp texture. Quick to bake and fun for kids. A delightful twist on classic cookies.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Rice Krispies Cookies

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Quick fried rice uses leftover rice for a fast, flavorful meal. Eggs, vegetables, and sauces combine in minutes. The rice absorbs the flavors beautifully without becoming mushy. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Green Rice Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with a cheesy spinach casserole, topped with melted cheese and sliced green onions, on a brown cloth with a wooden spoon nearby. — Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole combines rice with vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Cream or cheese adds richness and depth. Baked until lightly golden on top. A hearty, flavorful side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

M&Ms Rice Krispie Treats

Five rice crispy treat squares topped with colorful candy eggs and sprinkles are arranged on a black slate serving board. — M&Ms Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

M&Ms Rice Krispie treats are similar to the classic but packed with colorful candy. The marshmallow coating keeps the M&Ms in place. Each bite is crunchy, sweet, and playful. Great for parties or dessert.
Get the Recipe: M&Ms Rice Krispie Treats

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

This rice salad mixes cooked chicken, rice, fresh basil, and lemon juice. The dish is light, flavorful, and slightly tangy. Perfect as a lunch or side dish. Easy to prepare ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Pineapple chicken fried rice combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice. Soy sauce and aromatics add savory depth. The sweetness of pineapple balances the savory ingredients. A tropical twist on a classic fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Reindeer Rice Krispie treats are festive, decorated with chocolate and candy features. The base is crisp and sweet, perfect for shaping. Ideal for holiday parties or family activities. Each treat is fun and playful.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Cajun Sausage and Rice (Skillet Recipe)

Cajun sausage and rice skillet features spicy sausage and seasoned rice. Aromatics and peppers add flavor and texture. The dish is hearty and bold. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Sausage and Rice (Skillet Recipe)

Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways)

Sticky rice dumplings filled with peanuts, beans, and possibly meat, placed on a green leaf, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Zongzi are traditional sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves. Fillings can include meats, beans, or sweet pastes. The rice is sticky and flavorful after steaming. Great for celebrating traditional Chinese holidays.
Get the Recipe: Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways)

Nian Gao（Chinese New Year Rice Cake)

Nian Gao is a sticky, sweet rice cake made for Chinese New Year. It’s chewy, slightly sweet, and often pan-fried or steamed. Can be cut into slices or bite-sized pieces. A traditional dessert with symbolic meaning.
Get the Recipe: Nian Gao（Chinese New Year Rice Cake)

Sausage and Rice Skillet

Sausage and rice skillet is a simple, hearty one-pan meal. Sausage flavors the rice while vegetables add texture. Quick to cook and satisfying. Ideal for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Rice Skillet

Rice Krispy Crust Cheesecake

A slice of layered dessert with red and green cake, white cream filling, and colorful sprinkles on top, served on a white plate with a fork. — Rice Krispy Crust Cheesecake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Rice Krispy crust cheesecake features a crunchy cereal base with creamy cheesecake topping. The contrast of textures is fun and indulgent. Toppings can include chocolate, fruit, or caramel. A playful twist on classic cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Rice Krispy Crust Cheesecake

Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice (Ready in under 30 minutes)

Shrimp and chicken fried rice combines two proteins with vegetables and rice. Quick cooking keeps ingredients tender and flavorful. Soy sauce and aromatics enhance depth. A fast, filling dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice (Ready in under 30 minutes)