Baked Zucchini and Cheese: 7 Delightful Ways to Enjoy

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Oh, friends, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’re here! It means the world to share another one of my favorite comforting dishes with you. Today, we’re diving into something irresistibly simple, cozy, and packed with flavor — Baked Zucchini and Cheese. If you’ve been searching for an easy, cheesy side that fits weeknights, holidays, and everything in between, you are in for such a treat!

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What is Baked Zucchini and Cheese?

Baked Zucchini and Cheese is a simple yet stunning side dish that celebrates fresh zucchini, juicy grape tomatoes, and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella. Everything bakes together into a beautiful, colorful casserole that’s ready in just 30 minutes. No fuss, just gorgeous flavors coming together!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Zucchini and Cheese

• Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes of prep!

• Wholesome: Made with fresh veggies and simple pantry staples.

• Versatile: Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or even holiday spreads.

• Cheesy and comforting: That glorious melted mozzarella seals the deal!

• Naturally gluten-free: Great for sharing with friends and family who have special dietary needs.

What Does Baked Zucchini and Cheese Taste Like?

The zucchini becomes tender but not mushy, soaking up the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The mozzarella melts into stringy, golden perfection, creating pockets of cheesy delight throughout. The tomatoes bring a subtle burst of sweetness, and the slight heat from the red chili flakes at the end? Chef’s kiss! It’s cozy, fresh, and anything but boring!!

Health Benefits of Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Besides being downright delicious, this dish is:

• Packed with antioxidants from zucchini, tomatoes, and bell pepper.

• Rich in protein and calcium thanks to mozzarella cheese.

• A lower-carb side option compared to heavier casseroles.

• Full of fiber and potassium for heart health!

Ingredients You Need for Baked Zucchini and Cheese

• 2 large zucchinis, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnish

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili pepper flakes, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• A large baking dish

• A sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Measuring spoons

• A big spoon or spatula for mixing

(Seriously, that’s it — minimal cleanup, maximum deliciousness!)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists:

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, corn, or even spinach work beautifully.

• Switch the cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

• Boost the protein: Stir in some cooked, diced chicken or crumbled bacon.

• Spice it up: Add a little smoked paprika or cumin for a different vibe.

How to Make Baked Zucchini and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grab your favorite baking dish!

2. Mix the veggies: In the dish, combine diced zucchini, chopped onion, halved grape tomatoes, and diced green bell pepper.

3. Season and cheese: Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together with half of the shredded mozzarella.

4. First bake: Spread the mixture evenly and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. Test with a fork — the zucchini should be mostly tender.

5. Cheesy topping: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, and bake another 10 minutes. You want that cheese melted and starting to brown. 😍

6. Garnish and serve: Finish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes for that little extra zing!

What to Serve with Baked Zucchini and Cheese

This dish pairs so well with:

• Grilled chicken or steak

• Roasted salmon

• A hearty pasta

• Fresh garden salads

• Crusty garlic bread (yes, please!)

It’s also a superstar on its own for a lighter vegetarian meal!

Tips for the Best Baked Zucchini and Cheese

• Dice evenly: This helps everything cook at the same rate.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye during the second bake to get that perfect melted cheese without drying out the veggies.

• Use fresh mozzarella: For an even meltier, dreamier finish.

• Customize spices: Feel free to make it your own with your favorite herbs and seasonings!

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (I’ll be surprised if you do!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350ºF until heated through to keep that cheese nice and melty.

• Freezing: Not recommended — zucchini can get watery when thawed.

General Information

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Side Dish / Vegetarian

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I substitute zucchini with yellow squash?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well in this recipe and brings a lovely pop of sunshine to your dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop and season the veggies a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not at all — it’s very mild! The crushed red pepper flakes just add a tiny hint of warmth. Feel free to adjust more or less depending on your heat preference.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Super easy! Just swap the mozzarella for your favorite plant-based cheese blend and you’re good to go.

What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?

You can use cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a fun flavor twist!

Can I add meat to this zucchini bake?

Definitely! Diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even Italian sausage would be delicious stirred in before baking.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Make sure to dice your zucchini evenly and don’t overbake. You want it tender but still holding its shape!

Can I freeze Baked Zucchini and Cheese?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing — zucchini tends to release a lot of water when thawed, which could make the bake too watery.

What can I serve with Baked Zucchini and Cheese?

It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, pasta, or even a simple garden salad for a lighter meal!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep everything melty and delicious!

Conclusion

Baked Zucchini and Cheese is the perfect go-to side dish that’s simple, versatile, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels just as right on a busy Tuesday as it does on a festive Sunday. I’m so excited for you to try it and make it part of your rotation! Thank you again for being here — cooking is so much more fun when we do it together.

Looking for even more zucchini inspiration?
You’ll also love these recipes:

• Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: a flavorful, easy dinner full of fresh flavors!

• Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Potato Muffins: a crispy, savory snack or side that’s super satisfying!

• Parmesan Zucchini Fries: your new favorite healthier snack option — so good!!

Interactive Elements

When you make this Baked Zucchini and Cheese, I’d love it if you could leave a review and share your photos over on Pinterest! It absolutely makes my day to see your creations.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 126

• Fat: 9.6 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 5.8 g

• Fiber: 0.6 g

• Sugar: 3.4 g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g

• Sodium: 266 mg

• Potassium: 93 mg

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