Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that balances wholesome vegetables with irresistible cheesiness, Baked Zucchini and Cheese is the answer. This recipe transforms humble zucchini into a bubbling, golden casserole loaded with savory melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and that satisfying, crispy topping everyone loves. Whether you’re coaxing picky eaters to enjoy their veggies or serving up an impressive, comforting side, Baked Zucchini and Cheese checks all the right boxes—delicious, easy, and sure to vanish fast at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in how straightforward and accessible the ingredient list is. Every element brings its own magic: tender zucchini soaks up flavor, oozy cheeses lend richness, and a crisp breadcrumb shell ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Zucchini (4 medium, sliced): Fresh zucchini delivers a mild flavor and tender bite, soaking up the cheesy, herby goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Classic mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish its signature gooey, stretchy factor.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Nutty and sharp, Parmesan deepens the flavor, and adds extra golden color to the topping.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The secret to a perfectly crisp, golden top—try panko for extra crunch.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps everything moist and adds a subtle fruitiness that brings out the veggies’ best.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A touch of garlic infuses each bite with savory warmth—hello, comfort food!
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This herb blend makes the flavors sing; swap in fresh herbs if you like.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp—seasoning draws out the zucchini’s flavor and balances the cheeses.
How to Make Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the zucchini to become perfectly tender without turning mushy, and ensures the cheese bubbles and browns. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil or a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the Zucchini
In a large bowl, combine your sliced zucchinis with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every slice is coated. This step infuses the veggies with big flavor before the baking even begins, so don’t rush it—make sure everything gets a good toss.
Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the seasoned zucchini slices evenly in your prepared baking dish. Try to arrange them in a relatively flat layer for even baking and maximum cheesy topping real estate. Little overlaps are fine—they’ll shrink a bit as they bake.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Now for the good stuff: generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the zucchini. Follow with a layer of grated Parmesan for that unmistakable savory depth. Don’t worry if some of the cheese sinks down—it’ll melt right into the layers and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Top with Breadcrumbs
Grab your breadcrumbs and scatter them evenly over the surface. This simple step gives your Baked Zucchini and Cheese its signature golden crunch on top. If you like, you can drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil over the breadcrumbs to encourage extra browning.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the zucchini is fork-tender, cheese is bubbling, and the top is beautifully golden. If you want an extra-crispy top, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once your Baked Zucchini and Cheese is fragrantly golden, take it out and let it settle for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve (plus, molten cheese straight from the oven is piping hot!). Dig in and enjoy that gooey, veggie-packed goodness!
How to Serve Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Garnishes
A handful of fresh-chopped parsley or basil right on top brings color, aroma, and a burst of freshness that makes the whole dish pop. For a final flourish, a shower of extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will earn you plenty of “oohs” from your guests.
Side Dishes
Baked Zucchini and Cheese is versatile enough to shine solo or as a star side. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal, grilled chicken for a protein boost, or a simple bowl of tomato soup to turn comfort food into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon individual servings into small ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties or potlucks. If you’re serving a family crowd, scoop straight from the casserole. You can even tuck leftovers into a sandwich or wrap for a satisfying lunch upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Baked Zucchini and Cheese cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors seem to deepen as it rests, making next-day bites just as satisfying.
Freezing
While zucchini can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can absolutely freeze cooled portions of this casserole. Wrap them tightly or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat as needed—just note the topping may soften a bit.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat Baked Zucchini and Cheese in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). For quick lunches, the microwave works too—just use a lower power setting to keep the cheese bubbly but not rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try swapping in cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor twist. A little smoked provolone can add an extra punch, and mixing cheeses makes the topping wonderfully complex.
Should I peel the zucchini before using?
There’s no need to peel zucchini; the skin is thin, nutrient-rich, and helps the slices hold their shape as they bake. Just give them a good wash and slice!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in this recipe for Baked Zucchini and Cheese is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
What’s the best way to slice zucchini for this recipe?
Slice your zucchini into even rounds or half-moons about 1/4-inch thick. This size lets them cook through without becoming soggy, and holds the cheesy topping nicely.
Is this dish good served at room temperature?
Surprisingly, yes! Baked Zucchini and Cheese can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold out of the fridge for a snack. The flavors hold up, making it perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a bubbling dish of Baked Zucchini and Cheese with friends or family—it’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to make. I hope this recipe brings a little joy (and a lot of flavor) to your table. Give it a try and see just how quickly it disappears!
Print
Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh zucchinis. Sliced zucchinis are seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then baked with a cheesy topping until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the zucchini: In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchinis with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Spread the zucchini mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add breadcrumbs: Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Baked Zucchini, Cheese, Side Dish, Vegetarian, Easy Recipe
