Calico Rice Bake
Calico Rice Bake is a flavorful grilled dish combining mixed vegetables, cheesy rice, and aromatic herbs, all cooked in a foil pouch for easy cleanup and delicious, smoky flavor. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, it offers a hearty, satisfying meal with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear off a 36 x 18-inch piece of heavy-duty foil.
- Fold in half to make an 18-inch square.
- Fold up sides, using your fist to form a pouch.
- In a bowl, thoroughly combine vegetables, rice, water, cheese, salt, onion salt, rosemary, and pepper.
- Place the mixture in the foil pouch.
- Dot with butter.
- Fold edges of foil to seal the pouch securely.
- Grill over medium-hot coals for about 30 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-sodium mixed vegetables and reduced-fat cheese. If you don't have quick cooking rice, regular rice can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor. If you're grilling, keep a close eye to avoid burning the foil pouch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Marie'S Potato Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a vegetarian option, consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix, making it a hearty side or main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Calico Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the leftover rice bake in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Rice Bake contains roughly 98 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of quick cooking rice?
While brown rice can be used, it will require a longer cooking time and additional water. If you choose brown rice, make sure to adjust the cooking process accordingly, possibly pre-cooking the rice before adding it to the foil pouch.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just make sure to seal the foil pouch tightly before cooking to retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).