Description

Baked zucchini cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, baked zucchini slices with a gooey blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced by garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs, this easy-to-make recipe creates a wholesome yet indulgent experience perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 medium firm zucchinis, washed and sliced into thin rounds or lengthwise strips
2 garlic cloves, minced

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)

Optional

2 tablespoons bread crumbs, lightly toasted (for crispy topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Start by thoroughly washing the zucchinis, then slice them into evenly thin rounds or lengthwise strips to ensure they bake evenly and achieve a tender texture throughout.
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s hot and ready to give your zucchini a perfect golden finish as soon as you assemble your ingredients.
Season the zucchini slices: Arrange the sliced zucchini in a baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over them and sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs evenly on top. Toss gently to coat each slice thoroughly with the flavorful mixture.
Layer the cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses over the zucchini. Follow with an even dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the optional toasted bread crumbs if using, for a crispy topping.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, the zucchini is tender but not mushy, and a golden crust forms on top.
Let it rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the baked zucchini cheese to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the cheese set slightly and the flavors meld, making each slice perfect to enjoy.

Notes

Use firm zucchinis to prevent mushy texture.
Balance cheese quantity to avoid overpowering zucchini flavor.
Slice zucchinis evenly for uniform baking.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to firm up the cheese.
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or feta for unique flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg