How to. .. Cook Rice Pudding

Rice pudding should be creamy and tender, but not mushy. The texture is affected by several variables: the cooking method, the type of rice and the amount of eggs used — though extra eggs add richness to the custard, they also make the pudding firmer.

Cooking rice pudding on the stovetop results in a softer and creamier pudding than those baked in the oven. The constant stirring involved with the stovetop method releases a lot of starch into the pudding, providing extra creaminess. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as creamed rice. The baked version, however, develops a lovely golden crust on top and is generally firm enough to be able to cut through with a spoon.