Cheesy Zucchini Rice with Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Zucchini Rice with Bacon—an irresistible side dish or light meal that's bursting with flavor! This easy, one-pot recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice, tender sautéed zucchini, and crispy, smoky bacon for a hearty base. Creamy sharp cheddar cheese and a splash of milk create a rich, velvety texture, while hints of garlic powder and butter add depth to every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and is finished with a sprinkle of scallions for a fresh, zesty touch. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or enjoy it as a satisfying main course. Packed with delicious, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 medium zucchini
- 5 slices bacon
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons scallions (optional garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, wash and grate the zucchini using a box grater. Set it aside.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to cool. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces.
Discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the grated zucchini to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Set aside.
Once the rice is cooked, add the sautéed zucchini, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk to the rice mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
Fold in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving a small handful for garnish if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with remaining bacon pieces and chopped scallions, if using. Enjoy your Cheesy Zucchini Rice with Bacon!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.4 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 590 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.5 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 256 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 358 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
