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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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