This hearty Cheddar Paella is a comforting twist on the classic Spanish dish, combining briny clams, sweet shrimp, and savory vegetables with fluffy long-grain rice. The dish is elevated by a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese, which melts into the rice to create a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and green peppers provide a fresh crunch, while paprika and cayenne add a warm, smoky depth. The pimiento-stuffed olives offer a surprising burst of sweetness and color. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan meal is satisfying, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table. Its a delicious way to enjoy seafood and cheese in a single, cohesive dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.
Cheddar Paella
Description
This hearty Cheddar Paella is a comforting twist on the classic Spanish dish, combining briny clams, sweet shrimp, and savory vegetables with fluffy long-grain rice. The dish is elevated by a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese, which melts into the rice to create a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and green peppers provide a fresh crunch, while paprika and cayenne add a warm, smoky depth. The pimiento-stuffed olives offer a surprising burst of sweetness and color. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan meal is satisfying, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table. Its a delicious way to enjoy seafood and cheese in a single, cohesive dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.Ingredients
Directions
-
Scrub clams under cold water to remove sand; devein shrimp if necessary.
-
In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
-
Add chopped onions and green peppers; saut for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
-
Stir in peeled tomatoes, paprika, cayenne, and salt; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add long grain rice, stirring constantly to coat grains in the oil and toast slightly for 1 minute.
-
Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in 4 cups of hot water; pour into the pan with the rice.
-
Add bay leaf; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
-
Nestle clams and shrimp into the rice; cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until shells open and shrimp are pink.
-
Remove bay leaf and any unopened clams; gently fold in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
-
Garnish with sliced pimiento-stuffed olives; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1580.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 58.6g91%
- Saturated Fat 12.7g64%
- Cholesterol 906.7mg303%
- Sodium 1575.8mg66%
- Total Carbohydrate 87.6g30%
- Dietary Fiber 13.5g54%
- Sugars 3.9g
- Protein 183.4g367%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
