Rice Stuffed Zucchini Rounds
Flavorful zucchini rounds stuffed with rice, pecans, and cheese offer a satisfying vegetarian dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim ends from zucchini; do not peel.
- Cut zucchini into 2-inch crosswise slices.
- Cook slices in boiling salted water until fork-tender, then cool.
- Using a melon baller or teaspoon, hollow out the center of each zucchini slice, leaving a 1/4-inch shell on bottom and sides.
- Discard seeds and pulp, then drain hollowed zucchini on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly butter the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Mix thawed rice medley, chopped pecans, and shredded cheese in a bowl.
- Spoon the rice mixture into the hollowed zucchini shells.
- Place stuffed zucchini rounds in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like basil or parsley with the rice mixture. If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts for pecans or use a vegan cheese alternative to make this a vegan recipe. Ensure the zucchini slices are not too thin to maintain their structure while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed zucchini rounds make a delightful appetizer or side dish. Serve them alongside a light salad, such as Wilma'S Vegetable Salad, for a refreshing contrast. You can also pair them with a chilled beverage like Chilled Spiced Cider for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain the texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Stuffed Zucchini Rounds contains roughly 1663 calories, with 99g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (197% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (110% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 907mg per serving (39% 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 use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar to suit your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the rice medley you use is certified gluten-free and opt for gluten-free cheese if needed. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of stuffed zucchini rounds.
Can I prepare these zucchini rounds in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini rounds and hollow them out a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to fill and bake them. This can save time and make meal prep easier.
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).