Cheesy Zucchini Bake

$To make a tasty Cheesy Zucchini Bake, gather these key ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 cup grated zucchini (from 1 medium zucchini) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling These ingredients create a rich and cheesy dish. The zucchini gives it a fresh taste, while the cheeses add creamy goodness. You can enhance the flavor of your Cheesy Zucchini Bake with these optional extras: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for a citrus twist - Additional herbs like thyme or parsley Adding these can give your dish a unique flair. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy flavor. - Substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. - Replace fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is not available. These substitutions can still give you a tasty result. Don't worry if you can't find something; creativity in the kitchen often leads to delicious surprises! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and coat it with some olive oil. Next, take four medium zucchinis. Slice them into rounds. Put the rounds into a mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss everything well to coat the zucchini evenly. In another bowl, take one grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, one egg, and chopped fresh basil. Mix these until combined. This mixture will make your cheesy filling. Now, it’s time to layer our bake. Start by placing half of the sliced zucchinis on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread half of the cheesy mixture over this zucchini layer. Make sure to cover it well. Then, repeat this step. Add the rest of the sliced zucchinis on top and finish with the remaining cheesy mixture. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for extra flavor. Place your dish in the oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps the layers set. Finally, slice and serve your Cheesy Zucchini Bake warm. Enjoy this colorful dish as a side or a main course! When picking zucchini, look for firm and smooth skin. The color should be deep green. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender. Aim for zucchinis that are about six to eight inches long. They will slice well and cook evenly in the bake. To get that gooey, melty cheese, use freshly shredded mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can prevent melting well. Mix mozzarella with grated Parmesan for a great flavor combination. Adding a bit of olive oil helps the cheese melt beautifully. Sprinkle some cheese on top during the last few minutes for a nice golden finish. Spices bring life to your Cheesy Zucchini Bake. Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch. Dried oregano gives a warm, earthy flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a kick if you like heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. These simple steps will make each bite burst with flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, fresh zucchinis. Avoid those with soft spots or blemishes. Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor profile. Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you want a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Let it Rest: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can add proteins to your cheesy zucchini bake for extra flavor and nutrition. Cooked chicken or sausage works well. Just chop them into small pieces. Mix them into the cheese layer before spreading it over the zucchini. This adds heartiness to the dish. It makes it more filling, perfect for a main course. Feel free to mix in other veggies to change the taste. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be great choices. Chop these vegetables into small pieces. Toss them in with the sliced zucchini and garlic. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. You can create a veggie medley that fits your taste. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. You can use ground almonds or crushed gluten-free crackers instead. These will still give you that crispy top. Just make sure to check labels for hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy your cheesy zucchini bake without worry. Store your Cheesy Zucchini Bake in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze, let the bake cool completely first. Cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for about two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make Cheesy Zucchini Bake ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This makes it great for busy days or gatherings. Absolutely! Cheesy Zucchini Bake is perfect for meal prep. It holds well in the fridge and reheats nicely. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. This dish stays tasty for about 3-4 days when stored properly. You can serve Cheesy Zucchini Bake with many sides. It pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread. You can also enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. The flavors mix well and make for a delightful dining experience. The Cheesy Zucchini Bake is easy and tasty. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and helpful tips. I’ve shared variations for proteins and veggies, plus how to store leftovers. Remember, fresh zucchini makes a big difference. You can also add your favorite spices for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to your taste. Enjoy your dish and impress everyone at the table!$

A delicious and cheesy zucchini dish that's perfect as a side or vegetarian main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
1 cup grated zucchini (from 1 medium zucchini)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for drizzling olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with some olive oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano; toss to coat evenly.
In another bowl, mix the grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and fresh basil until well combined.
Layer half of the sliced zucchinis on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread half of the cheesy mixture over the first layer of zucchini.
Repeat with the remaining sliced zucchinis and top with the rest of the cheesy mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for added flavor and moisture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil on top for a vibrant touch.

Keyword bake, cheese, vegetarian, zucchini