Description
A delicious and cheesy zucchini bake combining fresh sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and savory vegetable casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini dish to a golden bubbly finish.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic to build the base of the bake.
- Season Vegetables: Add salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to the vegetable mixture and toss to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned vegetables and toss again to lightly coat all pieces, enhancing flavor and aiding roasting.
- Layer Vegetables and Cheese: Spread half of the zucchini mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish as the first layer of the casserole.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the zucchini layer, adding richness and gooey texture.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Spread the remaining zucchini mixture on top of the cheese, creating layered texture and flavor balance.
- Top with Cheese: Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to form a deliciously cheesy topping.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top layer for a crunchy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fresh garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Breadcrumbs are optional but add a lovely crunchy texture to the top of the bake.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese to reduce calories if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them completely.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
