Preppy Kitchen's John Kanell brings a warm, comforting take on a classic arroz con leche that makes a perfect addition to any cooking, recipes, bon apetit collection. This creamy rice pudding is simple, adaptable, and full of nostalgic flavor — inspired by a family recipe and easy enough for weeknight desserts or special occasions.
Key takeaways
- This rice pudding uses short-grain rice (Arborio preferred) and whole milk for a rich, creamy texture.
- Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Finish with vanilla and a touch of cinnamon; mix-ins like raisins, cardamom, or orange zest make it your own.
- Store in an airtight container: 3–4 days in the fridge, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Perfect for anyone browsing cooking, recipes, bon apetit resources who wants comfort food with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk (about 1 liter)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup short-grain rice (Arborio recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or a cinnamon stick added from the start)
- Optional mix-ins: 1/3 cup raisins or other dried fruit, cardamom, orange zest, fresh mango pieces
Step-by-step: How to make this creamy rice pudding
1. Warm the milk and sweeten
Combine whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, watching closely so it doesn’t boil over. This is the base of a luscious, creamy pudding — the milk and sugar set the stage for everything that follows.
2. Add the rice and simmer
Once the milk comes to a boil, lower the heat and stir in the rinsed short-grain rice. Reduce to low so the mixture simmers gently. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently. The rice should remain free-flowing and not clumped together as it slowly releases starch into the milk.
3. Flavor and finish
When the pudding has thickened to your liking (remember it will thicken more as it cools), stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste and a light pinch of cinnamon — about 1/4 teaspoon to start. For deeper cinnamon notes, a cinnamon stick can be simmered in the milk from the start. Other great flavor additions include cardamom, orange zest, or a splash of rum for grown-up flair. If desired, fold in 1/3 cup raisins or other dried fruit.
Tips, variations, and troubleshooting
- Rice choice: Short-grain Arborio gives the creamiest texture. Avoid brown rice for this recipe — it won’t yield the same creaminess.
- Rinsing rice: Optional but recommended to remove dust and extra starch. Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Flavor swaps: Cardamom and orange zest are lovely alternatives; consider tropical mix-ins like small mango cubes for a fresh twist.
- Texture: If the pudding seems too thin, simmer a bit longer. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar to taste — John’s version is “perfectly sweet,” but the recipe is forgiving.
Storage and make-ahead
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator, and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little milk to restore creaminess. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeks and holiday menus centered on cooking, recipes, bon apetit inspiration.
"This was my dad's favorite dessert." — a simple family memory that helped shape this comforting recipe.
Parting thoughts
John Kanell’s rice pudding is a joyful reminder that the best desserts are often the simplest. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, anyone can make a bowl of creamy, dreamy rice pudding that fits into a rotation of comforting favorites. For readers exploring more cooking, recipes, bon apetit-style ideas, this dessert is a wonderfully adaptable base to personalize and enjoy.
This article was created from the video Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe with the help of AI.
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe — cooking, recipes, bon apetit. There are any Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe — cooking, recipes, bon apetit in here.
