Go Back
When making Cheesy Zucchini Bake, you need a few key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need: - Zucchini and Cheese Components - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasonings and Additions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Topping Ingredients - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish These ingredients create a rich and cheesy dish. The zucchini adds a fresh taste. You can mix and match the spices, too. Enjoy your cooking! For the complete method, check the Full Recipe. - Prepping the Baking Dish Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or olive oil. This step helps prevent sticking. - Seasoning the Zucchini Take 4 medium zucchinis and slice them into rounds. In a large bowl, mix the sliced zucchinis with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like spice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well. This ensures each piece gets seasoned. - Mixing the Cheese In another bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese (½ cup), and half of the Parmesan cheese (¼ cup). Stir until well mixed. This creamy blend will add richness to your dish. - First Layer: Zucchini and Ricotta Layer half of the seasoned zucchinis in the bottom of the greased dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchinis evenly. This creates a solid base for your bake. - Second Layer: Final Zucchini and Ricotta Repeat with the remaining zucchinis and the rest of the ricotta mixture. This double layer enhances flavor and texture in every bite. - Adding Cheese and Breadcrumbs Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining mozzarella (½ cup) and Parmesan cheese (¼ cup). This will create a cheesy crust as it bakes. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works great) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer. - Baking Instructions Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and bubbling. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Zucchini Bake! For the full recipe, check out the details above. How to Prevent Soggy Zucchini To avoid soggy zucchini, you need to remove excess moisture. Slice the zucchini and sprinkle salt on it. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out water. Afterward, pat the slices dry with a towel. This simple step makes a huge difference. Best Cheese Combinations Using a mix of cheeses creates a rich flavor. I love ricotta for creaminess. Mozzarella adds stretch, while Parmesan gives a nice bite. You can also try mixing in some sharp cheddar for a different taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite blend! Serving Suggestions To serve, cut the Cheesy Zucchini Bake into squares. Place them on a colorful plate. This adds visual appeal. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Your guests will love the look and taste! Garnishing Ideas Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a nice touch too. These small details make your dish shine. Best Bakeware to Use Use a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe. Glass or ceramic works well. These materials heat evenly and help with browning. A non-stick option can make serving easier too. Essential Kitchen Tools You will need a sharp knife for slicing zucchini. A mixing bowl is key for combining your cheese. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons to get the amounts right. A spatula helps layer the ingredients neatly. Having these tools makes cooking smooth and fun! For the full recipe, check out the section above! {{image_2}} Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a perfect vegetarian dish. You can easily make it gluten-free. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy it! Vegan Cheese Alternatives If you are vegan, you can swap out the cheeses. Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella. Almond or cashew cheese works well too. It gives that creamy texture without any dairy. Adding Other Vegetables Feel free to mix in other veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add great flavor. Just chop them small and add them to the zucchini. This makes the dish even more colorful and tasty. Spice It Up: Heat Variations Want some heat? Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top. Adjust the spice to your liking for a bold kick! Complementary Dishes Pair this bake with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a hearty meal. Meal Pairings This Cheesy Zucchini Bake fits well with grilled chicken or fish. It's a lovely side to any protein. You can even enjoy it as a main dish on its own. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Zucchini Bake 🥒 section above. - Refrigeration Tips: Let the Cheesy Zucchini Bake cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to freeze it, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. - Best Methods for Reheating: The oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then place the bake in for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but it may get soggy. - Keeping It Fresh: Cover the dish with foil while reheating in the oven. This helps retain moisture and keeps the cheese melty and delicious. - How Long It Lasts in the Refrigerator: In the fridge, your Cheesy Zucchini Bake lasts about three days. If you see any moisture or changes in smell, it’s time to toss it. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for changes in color or an off smell. If the cheese looks dry or moldy, it’s best to discard it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! How to make Cheesy Zucchini Bake ahead of time? You can prepare Cheesy Zucchini Bake a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to serve. Can I use frozen zucchini in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just thaw and drain it well to remove excess water. This helps keep the bake from becoming soggy. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you need a substitute, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both will give a creamy texture, though the taste may vary slightly. What to do if the bake is watery? If your bake turns watery, check the zucchini before mixing. Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. How to tell when it's done baking? The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to mix cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta. Each will add a unique flavor to the dish. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can store portions in airtight containers. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Bake. We covered each step, from gathering ingredients to baking and serving. I shared tips to keep zucchini firm and suggested cheese combinations to enhance flavor. With easy variations, you can adapt the dish to fit dietary needs. Storage tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. Now, you can enjoy a tasty meal with lots of veggies. A Cheesy Zucchini Bake is simple and full of flavor. Try it and make it your own!

Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Zucchini Bake that will delight your taste buds! This easy recipe combines fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for a comforting dish perfect for any meal. In just 45 minutes, you can create a flavorful bake topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a slice of cheesy goodness to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

    In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the zucchini evenly with the seasoning.

      In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.

        Layer half of the seasoned zucchinis in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchinis. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis and ricotta mixture.

          Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

            In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

                Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

                  Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6