Baked Zucchini and Cheese
A Baked Zucchini and Cheese dish is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with the freshness of zucchini. This easy-to-make side dish highlights tender zucchini slices layered with a cheesy, savory topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s an ideal way to get everyone excited about vegetables, whether as a side for dinner or even a standalone snack.
This recipe combines layers of zucchini with a blend of cheeses, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a comforting, bubbly dish that’s versatile enough to pair with just about any main course. You’ll love the way the cheeses melt into the zucchini, creating a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
- Fresh Zucchini: Adds a mild, fresh flavor and is low in calories yet high in vitamins and fiber.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheeses: Provides a rich, gooey texture and a hint of nuttiness from the Parmesan.
- Garlic and Herbs: Adds depth and aroma, enhancing the savory elements of the dish.
How to Make Baked Zucchini and Cheese for a Perfectly Cheesy Side Dish
1. Prepare the Zucchini – Fresh and Flavorful
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and slice 4 medium zucchinis into ¼-inch rounds.
- Arrange the zucchini slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry.
2. Season the Zucchini – Adding Layers of Flavor
- Place the zucchini slices in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Toss until the zucchini is well-coated.
3. Layer with Cheese – The Creamy Component
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini.
- Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini and top with the remaining cheese.
Tip: For an extra cheesy touch, add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve – Finishing Touches
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Baked Zucchini and Cheese pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a vegetarian main course with a side of garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes or a fresh Mixed Green Salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
Tips for a Perfect Baked Zucchini Dish
- Salt the Zucchini: Salting the zucchini before baking helps remove excess water, preventing a soggy dish.
- Cheese Choices: Mozzarella melts smoothly for a creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor. Customize with your favorite cheeses!
- Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: Removing the foil towards the end of baking helps the top layer achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Preheat oven to 375°F. Salt zucchini slices, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
- Season: Toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Layer half of the zucchini in a greased 9x13-inch dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining zucchini and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish: Let cool, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
