🥒 Easy Baked Zucchini with Cheese
A quick and delicious side dish or light main featuring tender zucchini slices baked to perfection with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthier comfort food option.
🍽️ Ingredients:
- 2–3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or both)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup cream or milk (optional – for a creamier texture)
🔪 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchini into thin, even rounds.
- Toss zucchini slices in olive oil or butter. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if using.
- Layer zucchini in a baking dish.
- Optional: Pour cream or milk evenly over the top for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a crisp, bubbly top.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main!
📝 Notes:
- You can mix cheeses (e.g., mozzarella + Parmesan) for a richer flavor.
- Add garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Works great with yellow squash too!
💡 Tips:
- Slice zucchinis evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Pat zucchini dry if it seems too watery before baking.
- Use a shallow baking dish for a crispier top layer.
🍴 Servings:
Serves 3–4 as a side dish.
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 8–10g
- Carbs: 6–8g
- Fat: 12–14g
- Fiber: 2g
(Varies depending on cheese, cream, and oil used)
✅ Benefits:
- Low-carb and keto-friendly option
- High in fiber and antioxidants from zucchini
- Good source of calcium and protein
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Can I use plant-based cheese or milk?
A: Absolutely. Dairy-free cheese and unsweetened plant-based milk work well too.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
A: Yes! Try adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or beans.