Glorified Rice is one of those cherished Midwestern comfort foods that somehow makes ordinary ingredients taste extraordinary. This creamy, fruit-studded dessert salad has graced potluck tables and family gatherings for generations, earning its “glorified” title through its ability to transform simple rice into something truly special.
Despite its humble origins, this sweet and creamy treat strikes the perfect balance between dessert and side dish, making it a versatile addition to any meal. The combination of tender rice, whipped cream, and juicy fruit creates an irresistible texture that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – perfect for warm weather entertaining
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better the next day
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably have on hand
- Customizable with different fruits and mix-ins
- Kid-friendly and always a hit at gatherings
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 (15 oz) cans crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions and let cool completely
- Whip cream until stiff peaks form, gradually adding sugar and vanilla
- Fold cooled rice into whipped cream mixture
- Gently stir in pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Stir gently before serving
Tips & Variations
- Use mandarin oranges or fresh berries instead of cherries
- Add toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra crunch
- Make sure rice is completely cool to prevent cream from melting
- Use instant rice to save time, but adjust cooling time accordingly
- For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream
Serving Suggestions
Serve Glorified Rice chilled as a dessert or sweet side dish. It pairs beautifully with ham or grilled meats for a retro-inspired meal. For an extra special touch, garnish with additional maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of toasted coconut just before serving.
Notes
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Best served cold – remove from refrigerator just before serving
- Stir gently to maintain the fluffy texture
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it actually improves after 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Can I use brown rice? While possible, white rice provides the best texture and traditional flavor.
- Why is my rice mixture runny? Make sure to drain the pineapple well and use firmly whipped cream.
- Can I freeze Glorified Rice? Not recommended, as the texture becomes grainy when thawed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 (15 oz) cans crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- maraschino cherries, for garnish
Steps
- Cook rice according to package directions and let cool completely
- Whip cream until stiff peaks form, gradually adding sugar and vanilla
- Fold cooled rice into whipped cream mixture
- Gently stir in pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Stir gently before serving
Notes
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Best served cold - remove from refrigerator just before serving
- Stir gently to maintain the fluffy texture
