Description
This Apple Rice Pudding is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender granny smith apples combined with cinnamon-spiced cooked rice and raisins, topped with a buttery toasted panko crumb crust baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (1/4 cup), plus more to grease the casserole
- 1/2 cup Panko crumbs (plain dry breadcrumbs)
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs granny smith apples (4 medium), peeled, cored and diced 1/2″ thick
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups cooked white rice such as Jasmine (from 2/3 cup uncooked rice)
- 1/4 cup raisins (white or brown)
- 3 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13x2″ baking casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Toast the panko crumbs: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and melt 4 Tbsp butter. Once the butter bubbles and turns slightly brown, add 1/2 cup panko crumbs. Stir constantly until the crumbs are lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove immediately from heat to prevent overcooking and set aside.
- Mix the apple and rice filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Stir in 2 cups cooked white rice and 1/4 cup raisins. Reserve 2 Tbsp of the toasted panko crumbs for topping and mix the remaining toasted crumbs into the apple and rice mixture. Drizzle 3 Tbsp milk over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the apple rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved 2 Tbsp toasted panko crumbs on top for a crunchy crust. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pudding is heated through.
Notes
- Using granny smith apples provides a tart contrast to the sweet rice pudding.
- Make sure to remove the skillet from heat promptly after toasting crumbs to avoid burning.
- You can substitute white or brown raisins based on preference.
- This pudding is best served warm as a comforting side dish.
- Using jasmine rice adds a fragrant aroma to the pudding.
