Baked Zucchini and Cheese

$- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick When cooking, accurate measurements matter. Use a standard measuring cup for liquids and solids. A food scale helps for accuracy too. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, add a little more mozzarella or Parmesan. For a unique taste, try mixing in different herbs. If you have no zucchini, summer squash works well. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda. Instead of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or nuts can add crunch. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried ones, but use less. For a vegan option, try plant-based cheese and olive oil. Enjoy experimenting with these swaps! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take 4 medium zucchinis and slice them into rounds. In a large bowl, mix the sliced zucchini with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes too. Toss everything until the zucchini is well coated. Next, arrange the zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps keep them from sticking. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well until everything is combined. Now it's time to bake! Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the zucchini slices. Make sure each piece is covered nicely. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, while the zucchini becomes tender. For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To check if your dish is done, poke a zucchini slice with a fork. It should feel soft but not mushy. The cheese should be golden and bubbly. If you like a bit more crunch, broiling helps achieve that. Enjoy your delicious Baked Zucchini and Cheese as a side or a light main dish. For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning. To make Baked Zucchini and Cheese, you need some key tools. First, grab a sharp knife. This helps with slicing the zucchini evenly. Use a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. If you want a crispy top, use a broiler-safe dish. A spatula will help you serve the dish easily. Start with fresh zucchinis. Look for firm ones with smooth skin. Slice them into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Toss the zucchini with olive oil and seasonings. This step adds flavor and prevents sticking. Baking at 375°F allows the zucchini to soften without becoming mushy. Don’t forget to check them halfway through for even cooking. Add herbs for extra flavor. Fresh basil and parsley brighten the dish. Garlic gives a nice kick. For a spicy twist, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy texture. Panko breadcrumbs add crunch to the top. You can also mix in some lemon zest for freshness. Experiment with your favorite spices to make it your own. For a full guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Just cook it in a skillet before adding it to the zucchini. You can also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and fiber, making your meal more filling. Mixing cheeses can change the flavor. Try using cheddar for a sharper taste. Gouda adds a nice smokiness, while feta gives a tangy twist. You can even blend different cheeses for a rich mix. Just remember to keep mozzarella for that great meltiness. This flexibility allows you to use what you have on hand. Feel free to add more veggies based on the season. Bell peppers or tomatoes add color and sweetness. Spinach or kale can boost the nutrition. Just chop them up and mix them in with the zucchini. This way, you make a tasty dish that changes with the seasons. You can find the full recipe [here](#). After you bake the zucchini and cheese, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, remember to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can freeze baked zucchini and cheese if you want to save it for later. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, put the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This dish can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a baking pan and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warm. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between until it’s hot. This way, it stays moist and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini Delight. To make Baked Zucchini and Cheese, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a bowl, mix sliced zucchini with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. 3. Spread the zucchini on a baking sheet. 4. In another bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs. 5. Sprinkle this mixture over the zucchini. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 7. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes. You can find the full recipe for more details. Yes, you can prepare Baked Zucchini and Cheese ahead of time. Just slice the zucchini and mix it with the olive oil and seasonings. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. You can also prepare the cheese mixture ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. On the day you want to serve it, layer the zucchini and cheese mixture and bake it as directed. Baked Zucchini and Cheese pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken for a protein boost. - A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette. - Quinoa or rice for extra fiber. - Crusty bread to soak up flavors. These options will complete your meal and add variety. Enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need to know about baked zucchini and cheese. We discussed the key ingredients, measurement details, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. You learned tips for checking doneness and equipment suggestions. We explored variations to suit your taste and storage tips for leftovers. Baked zucchini and cheese is a tasty, healthy dish. Enjoy making it your own!$

Discover the mouthwatering Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini Delight that will elevate your meal experience! This simple and flavorful recipe features perfectly baked zucchini topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, combined with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. It's an easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your family and friends with a healthy twist on a classic favorite!

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced zucchini, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat the zucchini evenly.

Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, basil, parsley, and oregano until well combined.

Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture generously over the zucchini slices, making sure each piece is covered.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.

For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Once done, remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked zucchini on a large platter, garnished with extra fresh herbs for color. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for shine and an aromatic touch. Enjoy as a side dish or a light vegetarian main!