Italian Baked Rice and Cheese

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"I strongly recommend converted rice for this, I have used regular long grain white rice for this recipe and the texture of the cooked rice was too soft."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 35mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups uncooked converted white rice (Uncle Ben's Original brand is best)
• 1 1⁄2 cups dry white wine
• 1 (19 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes, drained and cut up
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can chicken broth
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated romano cheese or 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (unwhipped)

directions

1. Set oven to 400 degrees.
2. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine ALL ingredients EXCEPT the cheddar, Romano OR Parmesan cheese and the whipping cream; mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Transfer to a prepared baking dish.
5. Cover with foil, crimping the foil very tightly to edges of dish not to let any steam escape.
6. Bake for 1 hour (stirring at the end of 30 minutes).
7. Remove from oven and stir in the cheeses and the whipping cream.
8. Return to oven; continue to bake for 10 minutes longer.
9. Note: although I have never tryed it, I presume that half and half cream may be replaced for the whipping cream.

Reviews

[Chef Polly]

I made this dish for a side to lasagna and it was wonderful! It was very easy to make and the taste was great! I used the Ramano cheese and I think it really made it!