Name: Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large zucchini, cut into cubes; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 1 tsp Italian herb blend; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for topping; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for an effortless yet utterly delicious way to enjoy summer veggies, this Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese will completely win you over. Picture tender chunks of zucchini mingling with melty mozzarella, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp green bell pepper, and pops of sweet onion, all cozied together in the oven until bubbly, golden, and irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a stand-out potluck side, this dish is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly crave-worthy. With a hint of herbs, a kick of chili, and glorious gooey cheese, it’s about to become your new go-to comfort bake.

Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese so magical is how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into a dish you’ll want to eat on repeat. Each item plays its part, bringing flavor, texture, and vibrant color to the table.

Zucchini: The star of the show; its light flavor and creamy texture after baking make it the perfect veggie base.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that dreamy, melty factor—go for freshly grated if you can for the best melt.
Green bell pepper: Adds a gentle crunch and a subtle sharpness that wakes up the whole dish.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth, enhancing the roasted veggie flavors.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy little bursts of brightness that balance out the richness of the cheese.
Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and amplifies the vegetables’ natural flavors.
Italian herb blend: Infuses the bake with classic Mediterranean aroma and taste.
Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth and ties the flavors together.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the best in each veggie.
Cracked black pepper: Lends a mellow heat and a fragrant pop.
Chopped parsley: Sprinkled on for a fresh color contrast and herbal finishing note.
Red chili flakes: Just a touch at the end gives your Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese a delightful bit of sass.

How to Make Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat it to 375ºF (190ºC). This is the secret to veggies that bake up perfectly tender inside, with a hint of that irresistible caramelized edge.

Step 2: Combine and Season the Vegetables

In a roomy baking dish, toss your cubed zucchini, chopped pepper, diced onion, and sweet halved tomatoes. Sprinkle over the Italian herb blend, garlic powder, half of your mozzarella, salt, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle it all with olive oil, then stir enthusiastically until every piece is glossy and flecked with herbs and seasonings. This step is where the magic starts—make sure you’re generous with mixing so every bite is full of flavor!

Step 3: Bake the Vegetable Mixture

Pop the dish into your preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 20 minutes, just until the zucchini yields easily to a fork and everything looks slightly golden and aromatic. At this stage, the vegetables soften and the seasoning really soaks in, making each forkful extra special.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking

Now comes the best part: cheese! Pull the baking dish out, scatter the rest of your mozzarella evenly across the veggies, and slide it back in. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese has melted into puddles and the top is golden and bubbling. This is what gives Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese its irresistible, crowd-pleasing finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is sizzling and perfect, pull your dish from the oven. Shower the top with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a little warmth. Serve up immediately and bask in those glorious wafts of herb and cheese!

How to Serve Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a final flourish! Fresh chopped parsley adds that gorgeous pop of green, while a gentle flick of red chili flakes gives Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese an extra layer of excitement—just enough to wake up your tastebuds.

Side Dishes

This dish shines beside nearly anything: try it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a pile of fluffy quinoa. For vegetarians, it makes a hearty main with crusty bread or over a bowl of buttered pasta to soak up all the cheesy juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Spoon Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese into mini ramekins for personal servings on a brunch buffet, or use it to fill halved baked potatoes for a show-stopping twist. It’s also fabulous as a filling in a warm pita or tucked into wraps for a fast, flavor-packed lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container once completely cooled. Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge, making late-night snacks or next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to a month, keep in mind the texture of zucchini will soften more after thawing. If you don’t mind a slightly softer consistency, simply cool the leftovers then freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags—label and date them for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your leftovers back into the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 10 minutes. For a quick single serving, the microwave works too, but the oven gives the best texture and a little extra crisp on top.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini and will work perfectly. You can even mix both for an extra splash of color in your Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese.

What other cheeses can I add or substitute?

If you want to mix things up, try adding sharp cheddar, creamy provolone, or even a little Parmesan on top—each brings its own personality and melts beautifully alongside mozzarella.

How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?

To avoid excess moisture, be sure to cut your zucchini into cubes rather than slices, which helps them hold their shape. Baking uncovered also lets steam escape and encourages a golden, caramelized finish.

Can I prep Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or even overnight. When ready to cook, let the dish come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Is Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese gluten-free?

Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double check your herb blend and cheese for any added starches if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese is one of those cheerful, fuss-free recipes you’ll turn to every time you want pure comfort—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients needed. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and watch it disappear in seconds from the table. Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful recipe for baked zucchini and cheese, combining fresh vegetables and gooey mozzarella, seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked to perfection.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
Combine and Season the Vegetables: In a baking dish, mix zucchini, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, half of mozzarella, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Bake for 20 mins.
Bake the Vegetable Mixture: Place the dish in the oven until zucchini is tender.
Top with Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the vegetables and bake until melted and golden, about 10 mins.
Garnish and Serve: Top with parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian