Picnic Rice
A portable, cheesy rice dish perfect for outdoor picnics, featuring melted cheddar, tangy catsup, and savory seasonings, ideal for casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fold a 32-inch length of heavy-duty foil in half; press into a large bowl to form a pouch.
- Add all ingredients except rice to the pouch and blend well.
- Stir in the precooked rice and mix just to moisten.
- Seal the pouch tightly and remove from the bowl.
- Place the foil pouch on medium hot coals and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Rotate the pouch and continue cooking about 10 minutes longer.
- Open the package and fluff the rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For this Picnic Rice recipe, you can use any type of cheese if you prefer a different flavor, such as mozzarella or pepper jack. If you don't have precooked rice, you can cook and cool regular rice beforehand. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas can enhance the dish, and you can use low-sodium ketchup to reduce salt content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Picnic Rice warm as a hearty side dish at your next outdoor gathering or picnic. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main. Consider serving with a fresh salad or some sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water to keep it moist, and heat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picnic Rice contains roughly 728 calories, with 27g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1608mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
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 make Picnic Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep the rice separate until you're ready to cook it to maintain texture. When ready to cook, mix in the rice and follow the cooking instructions.
What if I don’t have heavy-duty foil?
If you don't have heavy-duty foil, you can use two layers of regular foil to create a sturdier pouch. Alternatively, consider using a grill basket if you have one, which allows for easy stirring and serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Picnic Rice is a vegetarian recipe, as it contains no meat or animal products. You can enhance it with additional vegetables for added nutrition while keeping it fully vegetarian-friendly.
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).