Introduction
Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner is a comforting dish that brings together tender zucchini and a medley of savory cheeses, all baked to perfection. This delightful meal is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a light vegetarian main course or a satisfying side dish. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
This Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Here are some reasons to love it:
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Rich in flavor with a delightful cheesy goodness.
- Nutritious and packed with fresh vegetables.
- Customizable with your favorite cheese blends.
- Great for meal prep and easy to reheat.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for many diets.
This dish can easily be transformed into a Zucchini Cheese Casserole or a Cheesy Baked Zucchini Recipe, allowing you to enjoy its flavors in various ways. With its American cuisine roots, it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
Ingredients for Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
Gather these items:
- 3-4 medium zucchini (approx. 2.5-3 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp salt, divided, plus 1 tbsp coarse salt for zucchini
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for topping)
How to Make Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash, trim, and slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds or grate it.
- Step 2: Place zucchini in a large colander over a bowl. Sprinkle generously with 1 tbsp coarse salt, toss, and let rest 30-60 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Step 3: Rinse zucchini thoroughly under cold water to remove salt, then pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels. Set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
- Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup milk.
- Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1.5 cups mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar. Add 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tbsp basil (optional), 1 tsp oregano, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Fold in the cooled sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Step 8: Add the dried zucchini to the cheese and egg mixture. Gently fold until coated. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 9: For the topping (optional): Combine 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter, and the remaining 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 10: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 11: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown, bubbly, and set in the center.
- Step 12: Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 13: Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
Keep these in mind:
- This dish can be served as a side or a main course.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
- Pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as paprika or cayenne.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Serve alongside grilled meats for a heartier meal.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light dinner.
- Enjoy it as a warm side dish at your next potluck.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner?
The key to a perfect Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner is ensuring the zucchini is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make it soggy. Use fresh cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great Zucchini and Cheese Dinner Idea for busy nights.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner?
Common mistakes include not adequately salting and draining the zucchini beforehand, leading to excess moisture. Make sure to follow the steps for salting and drying the zucchini for the best results.
Variations of Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner You Can Try
Explore these delicious variations:
- Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as feta or gouda.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.
With its delicious flavor and versatility, Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this Healthy Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe that everyone will love!
This dish can easily be transformed into a Zucchini Cheese Casserole or a Cheesy Baked Zucchini Recipe, allowing you to enjoy its flavors in various ways. With its American cuisine roots, it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Common mistakes include not adequately salting and draining the zucchini beforehand, leading to excess moisture. Make sure to follow the steps for salting and drying the zucchini for the best results. For more tips, check out this guide on preparing vegetables.
With its delicious flavor and versatility, Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this Healthy Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe that everyone will love!
Print
Baked Zucchini Cheese Dinner: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Zucchini Cheese – a comforting dish with tender zucchini and savory cheeses baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium zucchini (approx. 2.5–3 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp salt, divided, plus 1 tbsp coarse salt for zucchini
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Wash, trim, and slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds or grate it.
- Place zucchini in a large colander over a bowl. Sprinkle generously with 1 tbsp coarse salt, toss, and let rest 30-60 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse zucchini thoroughly under cold water to remove salt, then pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup milk.
- Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1.5 cups mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar. Add 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tbsp basil (optional), 1 tsp oregano, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Fold in the cooled sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the dried zucchini to the cheese and egg mixture. Gently fold until coated. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- For the topping (optional): Combine 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter, and the remaining 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown, bubbly, and set in the center.
- Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- This dish can be served as a side or a main course.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
- Pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg