Introduction: This Savory Zucchini and Cheese Bake is a simple, comforting dish that combines fresh zucchini with a blend of rich cheeses, herbs, and spices. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a great way to enjoy zucchini while adding a cheesy twist. Perfect as a side dish, or even as a light main course, this recipe is delicious and can be made with ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s a great choice for both zucchini lovers and anyone looking for a low-carb, veggie-packed meal.
Ingredients:
4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Zucchini:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds. Lay them out on a paper towel or clean cloth to absorb excess moisture. This helps to prevent the bake from becoming too watery.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Layer the Zucchini:
Spread a layer of zucchini slices evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little of each cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan) over the zucchini layer.
Assemble the Bake:
Repeat the layering process, adding more zucchini slices, followed by cheese until all ingredients are used. End with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake the Dish:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered zucchini and cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
Serve:
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Description:
This Savory Zucchini and Cheese Bake is a perfect combination of cheesy goodness and savory zucchini. The zucchini softens while baking, and the cheese melts into a rich, gooey topping. The egg mixture binds everything together, creating a casserole-like texture that holds its shape while still being tender. It’s an excellent way to use up zucchini, especially in the summer when they’re in season, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s low in carbs and can easily be made keto-friendly by adjusting the cheeses used.
Tips:
Prevent excess moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s important to let it sit with a paper towel to absorb moisture before baking.
Use a variety of cheeses: For more flavor, experiment with adding a bit of Gruyère, gouda, or even blue cheese for a stronger taste.
Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a bit of heat.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can really elevate the flavor. You can mix them in with the zucchini layers or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Make ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
Variations:
Add protein: To make this a complete meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon crumbles to the layers.
Grain-free or gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to make it a little heartier, you can add some almond flour to the egg mixture to create more texture.
Vegan version: Swap out the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg mixture to replace the regular eggs.
Correction:
If the top of the bake starts to brown too quickly while cooking, cover it loosely with foil again to prevent burning. This will allow the zucchini to cook through without over-browning the cheese.
If the casserole is too watery after baking, try cutting the zucchini slices thicker or draining them more thoroughly before baking.
Enjoy!
Enjoy your Savory Zucchini and Cheese Bake as a comforting side or a light meal. It’s an easy dish that’s sure to impress family and friends with its flavor and texture. It’s delicious when served alongside roasted meats or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking and enjoy experimenting with this savory dish!