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Oven baked zucchini and cheese dish served on a plate
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Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese

A delightful dish combining creamy layers of cheese with tender zucchini, perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Casserole, Cheese, comfort food, Vegetarian, Zucchini
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 medium medium zucchinis, thinly sliced Choose firm zucchinis for the best texture.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella Creamy and melty, perfect for a gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the mix.
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese Rich and creamy, enhancing the dish's overall depth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with flavor.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive bake.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning Offers a fragrant herbal note.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Essential flavor enhancers.

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs For that extra crispy top.
  • Red pepper flakes For those who love a kick.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, the egg, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Layering

  • Layer zucchini slices in the greased baking dish, ensuring they slightly overlap.
  • Spoon a layer of the cheese mixture over the zucchini, spreading it gently for even coverage.
  • Continue to alternate layers of zucchini and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used up, ensuring the final layer is cheese on top.
  • If using, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the top.

Baking

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
  • For an additional touch of crispiness, broil for an extra 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving

  • Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Choose firm zucchinis for the best texture. You can prepare this dish a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Experiment with different herbs and cheese blends for variety.