Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a perfect combination of tender vegetables and melty, savory cheese. The zucchini and tomatoes absorb the rich flavors of garlic and herbs, while the cheese forms a delicious golden crust on top. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or as a flavorful side for a larger spread. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and customizable with optional spices and ingredients!

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the vegetables and toss to combine.
3. Add Olive Oil:
   Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetable mixture and toss again to ensure all the pieces are lightly coated.
4. Layer the Dish:
   In a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the zucchini mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini layer.
5. Top with Remaining Vegetables and Cheese:
   Spread the remaining zucchini mixture on top of the cheese layer in the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Optional Breadcrumbs:
   If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for an extra crunchy layer.
7. Bake the Dish:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it Rest:
   Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables before baking for a touch of heat.
• Squash Variation: Substitute half of the zucchini with yellow squash for a slightly different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for more texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

2. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this dish as frozen zucchini can become watery when baked. However, if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for a more filling dish. Simply layer the meat between the zucchini layers.

4. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese options like vegan mozzarella and Parmesan to make this dish completely plant-based.

5. How do I store the leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked dish for up to 3 months, though the texture of the zucchini may change slightly after freezing.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to make it extra cheesy.

7. Can I use different herbs?

Yes, you can substitute the dried oregano and basil with fresh herbs or other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or gouda, for a different flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe in a smaller or larger pan?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan based on how many servings you need. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

10. How do I get the cheese to melt properly?

Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed, and the baking time is sufficient to allow it to melt and become golden. Covering the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking can also help melt the cheese without over-browning.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying and comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s a great option for a vegetarian main course or as a side dish, and it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this cheesy bake is sure to impress!

Cheesy Zucchini Bake

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a comforting dish with tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a flavorful, vegetarian meal perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼ inch rounds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: Combine sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Toss to combine.
3. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetable mixture and toss again to coat evenly.
4. Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the zucchini mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Top with Remaining Vegetables and Cheese: Add the rest of the zucchini mixture, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Optional Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Bake the Dish: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

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Notes

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Use yellow squash in place of zucchini for a variation.

To make the dish gluten-free, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 35mg