Cozy Cheesy Zucchini Rice Recipe: A Simple Family Treat

Summer gardens overflow with zucchini, and this cheesy zucchini rice recipe turns those abundant green vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish.

The creamy, golden blend of tender rice and melted cheese creates pure comfort on a plate.

Fresh zucchini adds a delightful texture and subtle sweetness to every forkful.

Sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich, tangy note that perfectly complements the mild vegetable.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it an ideal weeknight accompaniment.

Serve this delectable rice alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone vegetarian option that satisfies.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini Rice

• Rice: Provides the hearty foundation for this comfort dish, selecting long-grain varieties ensures perfect fluffy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich, deep flavor and helps cook the rice with robust savory undertones.
• Olive Oil: Creates a golden toasting effect and prevents rice from sticking while adding subtle fruity notes.

• Butter: Introduces creamy richness and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Milk: Optional addition for creating extra silky and luxurious consistency.
• Zucchini: Adds fresh vegetable nutrition, moisture, and delicate summer garden flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy melting goodness that elevates the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste profile.

What Tools You’ll Need for Zucchini Rice

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking rice and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice and preventing sticking.
• Cheese grater: Needed to shred zucchini and cheddar cheese quickly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice and chicken broth.
• Sharp knife: Useful for preparing zucchini if not using a grater.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.

Making Cheesy Zucchini Rice at Home

Cheesy Zucchini Rice Adventure

• Rice Preparation Golden Base

Start by warming olive oil in a medium saucepan, creating a golden playground for rice. Gently swirl rice in the oil, allowing each grain to dance and transform into a light golden hue.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pan, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer quietly for 15 minutes, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• Cheese and Veggie Fusion

Remove pan from heat and quickly introduce butter, freshly grated zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Cover immediately, trapping the steam and allowing ingredients to mingle and merge.

• Final Flourish

After 10 minutes, unveil your creation and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk and blend thoroughly.

• Serving Delight

Scoop the steaming rice onto plates, watching the cheese stretch and zucchini peek through. Serve immediately and savor each comforting, cheesy bite.

Tips for Cheesy Zucchini Rice

• Grate additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the rice for extra color, texture, and nutritional value.
• Fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this side dish into a complete meal with added protein.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like basil and chives to elevate the rice's flavor complexity and make it more exciting.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate plant-based dietary preferences.

Serving Cheesy Zucchini Rice

• Side Dish Companions: Pair this creamy zucchini rice with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or juicy steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Picnic Perfect Portion: Pack this cheesy rice in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or lunch meal prep with easy transportation.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose cold rice by turning it into crispy rice cakes or mixing with scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast skillet with added texture and flavor.
• Veggie Boost Option: Enhance the dish by stirring in additional roasted vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots for extra nutrition and color variety.

Storage Tips for Zucchini Rice

• Refrigerator Rest Zone: Store leftover cheesy zucchini rice in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping its delicious flavor intact.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent dry, clumpy rice texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months for future easy meals.
• Lunch Transformation Trick: Repurpose cold rice by mixing with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or adding to salads for a delightful midweek lunch boost.

Crispy Zucchini Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade cheesy zucchini rice combines garden-fresh zucchini with creamy, melted cheese over perfectly cooked rice. Comfort flavors blend seamlessly for a simple side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (236 ml) long-grain white rice
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup (227 g) shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 splash milk (optional, as needed)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently toasting rice grains until they acquire a delicate golden sheen, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
2. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover with a snug lid, and allow rice to simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed.
3. Flavor Infusion: Once cooking completes, remove from heat and swiftly fold in butter, grated zucchini, melted cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Replace lid and let ingredients harmonize for 10 minutes, allowing steam to activate and blend flavors.
4. Final Refinement: Uncover and vigorously stir the rice, ensuring comprehensive ingredient distribution. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, optionally incorporating a subtle milk splash to enhance creaminess. Gently mix until achieving a smooth, unified texture.
5. Presentation: Transfer the aromatic, cheese-laden rice to a serving dish while piping hot, showcasing the vibrant zucchini and rich cheese notes in a compelling side dish.

Notes

• Boost Rice Flavor: Toast rice in oil before adding broth to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
• Moisture Magic: Keep lid tightly sealed during cooking to trap steam and ensure perfectly fluffy rice texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Zucchini Moisture Control: Gently pat zucchini with paper towel to remove excess water, preventing soggy rice result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg