Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

$- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup cottage cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Zucchini is the star here. It gives the dish a fresh taste and a nice texture. The cheese adds creaminess and flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan gives a rich, savory punch. Cottage cheese adds protein and moisture, making each bite filling. The egg binds everything together, ensuring a perfect bake. Seasonings like garlic powder and oregano enhance the dish’s flavor, making it more enjoyable. If you're dairy-free, try using vegan cheese. You can replace egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water. For gluten-free diets, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are needed. If you want to add more veggies, consider bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. Always adjust based on your needs, so everyone can enjoy this dish. For the full recipe, check the main listing. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps cook the zucchini just right. Next, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step stops the zucchini bake from sticking. Now, grab 4 medium zucchinis. Thinly slice them and place them in a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the zucchini slices until they are well coated. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 large egg, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir this mix until it is creamy and combined. Start layering your dish. Place half of the seasoned zucchini slices at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread them out evenly. Next, take half of the cheese mixture and spread it over the zucchini. Make sure it covers the slices well. Now, add the rest of the zucchini slices on top. Spread them out again to keep it even. Pour the remaining cheese mixture over this layer. Finish your layering by sprinkling ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a nice, cheesy crust. Now, it's time to bake! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake it for 30-35 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbly. Once it looks perfect, take it out of the oven. Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling time helps set the layers. Before serving, garnish with fresh halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a colorful touch. You can find the full recipe linked above if you need more details! To keep your zucchini bake from getting soggy, salt the zucchini first. Slice the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out extra water. After that, pat the slices dry with a towel. This step helps keep your dish firm and tasty. For a cheesy flavor, you can mix mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts well, while Parmesan adds a nice crunch. Try adding a bit of cheddar for sharpness. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find the perfect blend. Serve the zucchini bake after it cools for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps set the layers. Cut it into squares for easy serving. Garnish with fresh tomatoes and basil right before serving. This adds color and fresh flavor to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the veggies in this dish. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These give extra flavor and color. Just chop them small so they cook well. Mix them in with the zucchini for a tasty twist. Roasted vegetables also add a nice touch. They bring rich flavors that pair well with cheese. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Ground turkey or chicken works great. Just cook the meat first, then layer it in. You can also add cooked sausage or bacon for a savory kick. Beans are another option for a meatless meal. They boost protein while keeping it healthy. This recipe is already gluten-free! If you want a bit more texture, use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top. This gives a nice crunch. You can also use quinoa or rice as a base. Just cook them first and layer them under the zucchini. This will make it filling and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Zucchini Delight Bake. After enjoying your cheesy zucchini bake, let it cool. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will keep the dish fresh and tasty. Label the container with the date, so you know when to eat it. Remember to keep it covered to avoid drying out. To reheat your cheesy zucchini bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Microwave in short bursts, checking often, until hot. This will make sure your dish stays cheesy and delicious. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the zucchini bake to cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can enjoy your cheesy zucchini bake anytime! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or even feta add great flavor. Each cheese brings a unique taste and texture. Just remember to keep the total amount the same. Mixing cheeses can also make the dish fun and tasty. Your zucchini bake will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors in and the moisture out. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble it a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to bake it the next day. This makes it easy for meal prep or when hosting friends. You can also freeze it before baking for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. This blog post covered all you need for a perfect zucchini bake. We discussed key ingredients, how to layer, and baking tips. I shared ways to avoid soggy zucchini and the best cheese mixes. You can also modify the dish to fit your diet. Now, you can store leftovers easily and reheat them. Remember to have fun with variations and make this dish your own. Zucchini bake is simple, tasty, and versatile, perfect for any meal. You’ll enjoy making this dish as much as eating it!$

Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Indulge in the delicious Cheesy Zucchini Delight Bake, a perfect blend of creamy cheeses and tender zucchini! This easy recipe combines fresh ingredients for a flavorful dish that’s great for any meal. With simple steps and only 45 minutes of total prep time, you’ll impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup cottage cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced zucchinis along with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss the zucchini slices until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and creamy.

Begin layering by placing half of the seasoned zucchini slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread half of the cheese mixture over the first layer of zucchini, ensuring it covers the slices evenly.

Next, add the remaining zucchini slices on top, spreading them out to create an even layer. Carefully pour the rest of the cheese mixture over this layer.

Finish by generously sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves to enhance the dish's color and presentation.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 6 servings