Quick & Cheesy Zucchini Rice Recipe That Kids Will Love

Zucchini rice brings vibrant summer freshness to your dinner table with its delightful blend of tender vegetables and comforting grains.

This simple side dish upgrades ordinary ingredients into something remarkably satisfying and nutritious.

Green and golden hues merge beautifully, creating a colorful plate that promises delicious nutrition.

Wholesome grains absorb the mild, slightly sweet zucchini essence, developing rich layers of flavor throughout cooking.

Cheese adds a creamy dimension that elevates the humble rice into a crowd-pleasing accompaniment for multiple main courses.

Short-grain or long-grain options work equally well, allowing flexibility in your culinary approach.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Grab your skillet and get ready to create a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reheating Zucchini Rice Without Drying Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Cheesy Zucchini Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating Stovetop: Revive cold rice by adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy.
• Microwave Method: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice before reheating to maintain moisture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the rice is steaming hot and cheese is melted.

Main Dishes That Pair with Cheesy Zucchini Rice

• Pair with Grilled Protein: Match this cheesy zucchini rice with succulent grilled chicken or tender pork chops for a hearty meal that balances the rich, creamy texture of the rice.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory rice.
• Wine Selection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the zucchini's freshness and balance the cheese's creaminess.
• Summer Beverage Boost: Cool down the meal with a light, citrusy iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy rice.

Veggie and Spice Twists for Your Rice

• Mediterranean Herb Zucchini Rice: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped fresh basil, oregano, and diced sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Zucchini Rice: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle cumin, add pepper jack cheese, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Rice: Swap cheddar for grated parmesan, increase garlic powder, and fold in fresh chopped parsley for an aromatic Italian-inspired version.
• Mushroom Lovers Zucchini Rice: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms before adding rice, use gruyère cheese, and stir in fresh thyme for an earthy, rich variation.

Creamy, Cheesy Zucchini Rice to Warm Your Soul

• Transform Boring Rice: This recipe turns ordinary rice into a mouth-watering, cheesy delight that transforms a simple side dish into a star attraction of any meal.
• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this zucchini rice in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sneaky Veggie Boost: The shredded zucchini blends seamlessly into the rice, adding nutrition and moisture without overwhelming picky eaters who might typically avoid vegetables.
• Creamy Cheese Dream: Melted cheddar creates a luxurious, creamy texture that makes this rice irresistibly rich and satisfying, elevating it from a basic side to a crave-worthy dish.

All the Cheese and Veggies You Need

Main Ingredients:

• Long Grain White Rice: Hearty base of the dish, providing a fluffy and satisfying texture with subtle nutty flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory depth and helps cook the rice with enhanced flavor profile.

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture, nutrition, and subtle green color to the rice.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a luxurious and tangy element.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Helps toast rice and provides a smooth, light base for cooking with heart-healthy properties.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture, enhancing overall creaminess of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides quick, concentrated garlic flavor without fresh garlic preparation.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic complexity to the rice.

• Milk: Helps create extra creamy texture if desired, softening the rice's consistency.

Cooking Zucchini Rice with Melted Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Essentials

Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools.

• Rice
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Zucchini
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: Milk

Use a medium saucepan and wooden spoon.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat.

Add rice and stir to coat with oil.

Gently stir rice until it turns light golden brown.

Step 3: Cook Rice Base

Pour chicken broth into saucepan.

Bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to low.

Cover pan with tight-fitting lid.

Simmer rice for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Zucchini Magic

Remove pan from heat.

• Butter
• Shredded zucchini
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder

Cover pan immediately to trap steam.

Let sit for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Final Mixing

Uncover pan and stir ingredients thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper.

For extra creaminess, add splash of milk and blend well.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer rice to serving dish.

Serve warm and savor delicious cheesy zucchini rice.

Secrets for Extra‑Creamy Rice

• Maximize Rice Flavor: Toast the rice in olive oil before adding broth to develop a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Grate Zucchini Perfectly: Use the large holes of a box grater for even, quick shredding that melts seamlessly into the rice.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the hot rice sit covered after adding cheese to create a luxurious, creamy texture without direct heat.
• Boost Seasoning Depth: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or smoked gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
• Texture Enhancement: Add a splash of milk for extra creaminess, creating a rich and smooth side dish that feels luxurious and comforting.

Cheesy Zucchini Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy zucchini rice brings comfort and freshness to your dinner table with its creamy texture and garden-fresh flavors. Rich parmesan melts perfectly into tender rice and juicy zucchini, creating a side dish that makes you crave another delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Liquid:

• 1 splash milk (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful base by warming olive oil in a medium saucepan over moderate temperature.
2. Introduce rice to the pan, gently coating each grain with oil and stirring constantly until grains develop a light golden hue.
3. Stream chicken broth into the pan, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, secure with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Once cooking time concludes, remove pan from heat source and swiftly incorporate butter, freshly grated zucchini, melted cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
5. Quickly replace lid to trap residual steam and allow ingredients to meld together for 10 minutes.
6. After resting period, uncover and vigorously stir the rice, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated and evenly distributed.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. For enhanced creaminess, introduce a delicate splash of milk and blend until smooth and uniform.
8. Transfer to serving dish while piping hot, presenting a rich, aromatic side dish that highlights the delicate zucchini and robust cheese elements.

Notes

• Toasting rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and prevents clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Covering the pan after adding cheese and zucchini helps melt the cheese evenly and steam the vegetables gently.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a smoother texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Optional milk addition creates a creamier consistency, perfect for those who enjoy a richer rice dish.
• Quick 10-minute resting period allows ingredients to meld together and creates a more harmonious flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for unique taste variations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg