Nutritious zucchini is abundant in Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole, a delicious side dish that also includes gooey cheddar cheese, rice, green onions, parsley and rosemary to deliver an incredible texture and flavor that pairs well with so many proteins.
This savory, cheesy side dish is a summer and fall favorite.
Mixed with freshly grated cheddar cheese and cooked rice, this delicious zucchini bake pairs well with poultry, fish and ham. It makes a great side for holiday gatherings, along with Cheddar Parmesan Mac and Cheese and Pickled Red Beets.
Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole is also great for a weeknight family dinner because it's picky eater approved.
Gooey, cheesy, savory and wholesome,--with some great nutrients hiding inside--this tasty dish is the perfect side to so many kid friendly entrees, including breaded chicken, fish sticks and hot dogs.
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👪Why you'll love it
| Feeds a crowd- This recipe makes a lot. I usually get two meals out of this for my family of four when it's served as a side. Because it bakes in a 13x9 pan, it's also an excellent choice for a larger gathering. Packed full of nutrients- Did you know that zucchini has an incredible amount of potassium and Vitamin C? You'll also get a hefty serving of protein and calcium from the cheese in this dish! Stores well- Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole keeps well in the fridge, and can also be frozen. |
🥘Ingredients
- fresh zucchini- it's parboiled first to soften it a bit; then chopped
- cooked rice- I prefer white long grain for this recipe
- extra sharp cheddar cheese- grate this yourself for better taste and melting
- green onion & fresh parsley- for added flavor
- extra virgin olive oil
- egg
- dried rosemary- beautifully accents the flavors in this dish
🔪Instructions
For a more detailed list, see the printable recipe card below
- Cook whole zucchini in salted, boiling water until just tender. Chop when cooled.
- Once properly drained, place the chopped zucchini in a large bowl. Add green onions and parsley. Then add the cooked rice and gently mix.
- Next, add the rosemary and grated cheese. Gently mix.
- Drizzle on the olive oil and add the slightly beaten egg. Stir to combine.
- Place mixture in a lightly greased 13x9 glass baking dish. Spread the mixture with a spoon to evenly cover the bottom of the dish.
- Bake uncovered in a 350 degree preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until casserole is slightly brown around the edges and center is somewhat firm.
Hint: While the zucchini is cooking, cook the rice according to package directions, grate the cheese, chop the parsley and dice the green onions to save time.
🥣Substitutions
Rice: You may choose brown rice for added nutrition
Parsley: Dried parsley may be substituted for the fresh
📖Variations
Make this with yellow squash instead for a Cheesy Rice Squash Casserole. We like this version with baked ham.
Add 1-2 cups of precooked chicken before baking for added protein and taste. This makes an excellent main meal that's kid friendly.
Add chopped, crisp bacon to the top before serving for a crispy, salty crunch.
🍽Equipment
- large pot with lid (for the zucchini)
- medium pot with lid (for the rice)
- cheese grater
- 13x9 glass baking dish
- cutting board
- santoku or chef's knife
- colander
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing spoon or wooden salad spoons
- spatula (for serving)
🍶Storage
Refrigerate, store in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days.
You may also freeze leftovers in freezer safe packaging for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge when ready to enjoy.
To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
💭Top Tip
Once the zucchini is chopped, generously salt it and let it sit in a colander to drain for at least 10 minutes. Then absorb excess water with paper towels before adding it to the dish. You don't want to add overly moist zucchini to the casserole because it will make the consistency too mushy.
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve on holidays with Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole:
📋Recipe
Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 3 medium) zucchini
- 1 & ½ cups cooked rice
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup green onion
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Before starting: -rinse zucchini -set large pot on stove and bring to a boil (for the zucchini) -preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cook whole zucchini in salted, boiling water until just tender. This usually takes about 15 minutes (check with a fork periodically).
- While the zucchini is cooking: -cook rice according to package directions -grate the cheese -chop the parsley -dice the green onions
- Once zucchini is tender, drain in colander and let cool. Then chop cooled zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Drain once more.
- Once properly drained, place the diced zucchini in a large bowl. Add green onions and parsley. Then add the cooked rice and gently mix.
- Next, add the rosemary and grated cheese. Gently mix.
- Drizzle on the olive oil and add the slightly beaten egg. Stir to combine.
- Place mixture in a lightly greased 13x9 glass baking dish. Spread the mixture with a spoon to evenly cover the bottom of the dish. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until casserole is slightly brown around the edges and center is somewhat firm.
- Refrigerate, store in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days. You may also freeze leftovers in freezer safe packaging for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge when ready to enjoy.
- To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Barbara K. says
I'm hoping to make this and will let you know the results afterwards.
Kitchen Ready Betty says
I can't wait for your feedback!
Elizabeth M. says
I'll be sure to try this recipe. We like all the combind ingredients. It would be a great side dish for meals.
Kitchen Ready Betty says
It makes an excellent side dish to poultry and ham! I hope you enjoy it.