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Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Baked Zucchini and Cheese
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This Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious dish combining fresh zucchini with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect as a side, snack, or light main, it offers a creamy texture and mild cheesy flavor that’s customizable and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini and Vegetables

  • 3 medium fresh zucchinis, washed and sliced into ¼ inch rounds

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Oils and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings and Seasonings

  • ½ cup bread crumbs (gluten-free bread crumbs if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time you finish preparing the ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis, then slice them evenly into ¼ inch rounds for uniform cooking. For best results and to avoid sogginess, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry before assembling.
  3. Cook the Garlic: In a small pan, sauté the minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Layer the Ingredients: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices on the bottom, drizzle with some of the garlic oil, then sprinkle evenly with a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Repeat layering to use up ingredients.
  5. Add Bread Crumbs: Combine the bread crumbs with the remaining olive oil to lightly coat, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top layer of cheese and zucchini for a crunchy finish.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

  • Avoid Soggy Zucchini: Salt the sliced zucchini beforehand and let it rest to draw out moisture, then pat dry to keep the dish from becoming watery.
  • Cheese Choice Matters: Use a blend of melting cheeses like mozzarella for gooey texture and cheddar for sharpness to enhance flavor.
  • Even Slices: Slicing zucchini evenly promotes consistent cooking throughout the dish.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley added just before serving brightens the flavor beyond dried herbs.
  • Watch the Oven: Monitor baking progress to avoid burning bread crumbs and ensure cheese melts perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked zucchini, cheesy zucchini bake, zucchini side dish, gluten free, kid-friendly, easy vegetable bake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/baked-zucchini-and-cheese/