Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Looking for a deliciously simple way to enjoy the abundance of summer zucchinis? Look no further than this heartwarming recipe for Baked Zucchini and Cheese. When it comes to comfort food that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, this dish really hits the spot.

Picture this: tender zucchini tucked beneath a blanket of bubbling, gooey cheese that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. This dish not only brings a smile to the little ones at the table but also gets the grown-ups excited. The aroma wafting through the house as it bakes is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal paired with grilled chicken or a delightful addition to your picnic spread, this Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe is a winner. Plus, with the option to customize the cheese blend and add in extra veggies or protein, you can make it your own while still keeping it simple and delicious. So, go ahead, dive into this cheesy, veggie-loaded delight and savor each bite!

Quick Benefits

• Veggie-Loaded: This recipe is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal, making it a nutritious option.
• Cheesy and Cozy: The gooey cheese on top of tender zucchini creates a comforting and indulgent dish that is sure to satisfy.
• Versatile: You can customize this dish by swapping ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead: This zucchini bake can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

• Simple and Cozy: Perfect for those looking for a comforting and easy meal that’s packed with veggies and gooey cheese.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe based on what you have on hand or your preferences, from different cheeses to adding in extra proteins like sausage or chicken.
• Kid-Friendly: The stringy cheese and delicious flavors will make this a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
• Adaptable: Easily adjust the recipe with various cheese blends, veggies, and seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Pairing Options: Enjoy it alongside grilled chicken, over pasta, or even for brunch with eggs on top for a satisfying meal.
• Leftover Friendly: Reheats well in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient option for quick and delicious meals.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Cheese & Garnish

• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded and split up
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, crushed (if you want)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, fresh

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 2 big zucchinis, diced up
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs blend
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, fresh
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 onion, chopped up

Pro Tips for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Pro Tip 1: To ensure even cooking, cut the zucchini into uniform pieces and keep an eye on your bake time. Mixing in peppers and baking quickly will help the veggies retain their texture and crunch.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors and melts. Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or create a blend of your favorite cheeses to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Pro Tip 3: Enhance the dish’s heartiness by adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken before baking. This will make the dish more filling and satisfying for a complete meal.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Finish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and chili flakes for added spice. Serve hot.

Step 2: Final Bake

Return the baking dish to the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 3: Top with Cheese

Remove the dish promptly and evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella on top of the vegetables.

Step 4: First Bake

Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the zucchinis are tender.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a 23×33 cm dish and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese to Vegetables

Combine half of the mozzarella cheese with the vegetables, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Prepare Vegetables

Combine diced zucchini, green bell pepper, onion, and tomato halves with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Storage Tips

After baking your delicious cheesy zucchini dish, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, tightly cover the dish and store it in the refrigerator. This baked zucchini and cheese can be refrigerated for up to four days. When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat it in the oven for the best crispy texture, or opt for a quick microwave blast.

If you wish to freeze your baked zucchini and cheese for longer storage, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it well. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat a frozen portion, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for a buffet or picnic setting. Additionally, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Experiment with different cheese options like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites to create unique cheesy melts and flavors. Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked sausage, shredded chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to enhance the dish’s flavors and make it heartier. Whether serving it alongside grilled chicken, pasta, or as part of a brunch with eggs, this cozy zucchini bake is versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe, feel free to make ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have grape tomatoes, any small, juicy tomato variety will work well in this dish. To adjust the flavor profile, consider using red bell pepper instead of green for a sweeter taste. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites to create unique cheesy melts and flavors.

If you are looking for a dairy-free option, plant-based mozzarella is a great substitute for regular mozzarella cheese in this recipe. Additionally, for added protein and heartiness, you can incorporate cooked sausage or shredded chicken into the dish before baking. Feel free to customize the recipe further by adding in extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant, ensuring they are chopped to a similar size as the zucchini for even cooking. And if you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, dried Italian herbs can be used as a substitute for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving the baked zucchini and cheese as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Simply spoon the cheesy zucchini mixture onto warm tortillas, top with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and sour cream, and enjoy a delicious and unique twist on traditional Mexican dishes.

Another fun idea is to use the baked zucchini and cheese as a topping for a homemade pizza. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on pizza dough, sprinkle the zucchini mixture on top, add some additional cheese if desired, and bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. This zucchini and cheese pizza is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

FAQs for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or blend a few of your favorite cheeses for different cheesy melts and flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven. It will stay good in the fridge for about three days.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can make in this recipe?

If you don’t have grape tomatoes, any small, juicy tomato will do. For a sweeter taste, you can try using red bell pepper instead of green. You can also use half mozzarella and half cheddar for a zingier flavor, or fontina for a richer melt. For a dairy-free option, plant-based mozzarella works great.

Can I add other vegetables to this zucchini bake?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to the zucchini bake. Just make sure to chop everything to the same size so it cooks evenly.

Conclusion

Baked Zucchini and Cheese, a simple yet irresistibly comforting dish that always hits the spot! Whether you’re a cheese lover, a veggie enthusiast, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this zucchini bake has got you covered. The bubbling cheese on top and tender zucchini underneath create a harmonious blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Baked Zucchini and Cheese! Experiment with different cheese blends, add in your favorite proteins, or toss in extra veggies for a personalized touch. This versatile dish is perfect for meal prepping, reheating, and even freezing, making it a convenient option for busy days or lazy evenings. So go ahead, dive into this cozy zucchini bake and savor every cheesy, veggie-loaded bite!