Okay, friends, let’s talk about a side dish that’s become my absolute go-to for pretty much any meal: Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese. Seriously, this stuff is magic! It’s ridiculously simple to throw together, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something good fast. I first stumbled upon a version of this years ago, and it was a game-changer. It’s proof that you don’t need a million fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something that tastes amazing and makes your taste buds sing. This recipe is all about letting simple, fresh ingredients shine, with that irresistible cheesy, baked goodness we all love. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Seriously, this dish is a winner for so many reasons:
- Super Quick Prep: You can have it ready for the oven in about 10 minutes flat. Perfect for when you’re short on time!
- So Easy to Make: There are basically no complicated steps here. If you can slice a zucchini and sprinkle cheese, you can make this.
- Delicious Flavor: The zucchini gets tender, and that melted, slightly crispy cheese on top? Pure comfort food!
- Versatile Side: It goes with just about everything – grilled chicken, fish, steak, pasta. It’s the perfect addition to any meal.
- Vegetarian Friendly: A great meat-free option that’s satisfying and packed with flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients for Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Alright, let’s get down to business! For this super simple and totally delicious Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese, you’ll want to grab just a few things. First up, we need 2 medium zucchinis. Make sure you slice them into pretty consistent rounds, about 1/4-inch thick – this helps them cook evenly. Then, for that gooey, golden topping, grab 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, you can shred your own cheese; it melts a little better than the pre-shredded stuff sometimes. Next, about 1/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs will give us that perfect little crunch. We’ll also need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to get everything coated and ready for the oven. And of course, a little salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste will really make those flavors pop. Easy peasy, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Now, about those ingredients – they’re pretty flexible! The sharp cheddar is my favorite because it has so much flavor, but honestly, mozzarella works beautifully for that super melty stretch, and Parmesan adds a lovely salty, nutty kick. You could even do a mix! If you want to amp up the savory flavor, don’t be shy about adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the zucchini before you toss it with the oil. It adds a whole other layer of deliciousness without much extra effort. The breadcrumbs are key for a little texture, but if you’re going gluten-free, you could try some almond flour or even crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly crunch.
How to Prepare Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese is honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. It’s all about a few simple steps that turn humble zucchini into a crave-worthy side dish.
Preheating and Preparing the Zucchini
First things first, we need to get that oven nice and hot. Go ahead and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, take your sliced zucchini – remember, about 1/4-inch thick rounds – and pop them into a medium-sized bowl. Now, drizzle over that 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Get your hands in there (or use tongs!) and give everything a good toss. You want to make sure each little zucchini slice gets lightly coated in the oil. This is super important for getting that nice baked texture and preventing them from sticking. Once they’re all glistening, sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Again, give them a gentle toss to distribute the seasonings evenly. Don’t go too crazy with the salt just yet; you can always add more later if needed.
Arranging and First Bake
Now, grab a baking sheet. If you have parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, now’s the time to use it! It makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent any sticking. Lay your seasoned zucchini slices out onto the baking sheet in a single layer. This is a really crucial step, guys! If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of bake, and we want that nice tender-crisp texture. So, give them a little space. Once they’re all neatly arranged, pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll see them start to soften up a bit and maybe get a tiny bit golden around the edges.
Adding the Toppings and Second Bake
After those 15 minutes are up, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Be careful, it’s hot! Now for the best part. Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the zucchini slices. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese. This combination is going to give you that perfect cheesy, slightly crunchy topping we’re aiming for. Pop the baking sheet back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. You’re just looking for that cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, and maybe get a nice golden-brown hue. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once it looks perfect, take it out, let it cool for just a minute, and get ready to enjoy your amazing Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese!
Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Getting this Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese just right is all about a few little tricks. First off, after you slice your zucchini, give those rounds a quick pat down with a paper towel. This helps get rid of any excess moisture, which is key to avoiding a soggy dish. Remember what I said about the single layer on the baking sheet? It’s worth repeating – don’t overcrowd it! Giving the zucchini space allows the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring they bake up tender and slightly golden, not steamed. When you’re checking for doneness after adding the cheese, look for that bubbly, melted cheese with a hint of golden brown. A thin knife or even a fork should slide easily into the zucchini slices, showing they’re tender but not mushy. If your cheese is browning too quickly but the zucchini isn’t quite tender, you can always loosely tent the baking sheet with foil for the last few minutes. Easy fixes for a perfect result!
Serving and Storing Your Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
This Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese is absolutely best served hot right out of the oven! The cheese is gooey, and the zucchini is perfectly tender. It makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a hearty steak. Honestly, it’s so good you could even eat it on its own as a light snack! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find popping them back in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-10 minutes works best to bring back that lovely cheesy texture without making them too soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Got questions about this amazing Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh zucchini is definitely best for texture, you can use frozen if you absolutely have to. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it really dry with paper towels to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Otherwise, you might end up with a watery dish. It won’t be quite the same, but it can work in a pinch!
Q: What other vegetables can I bake with cheese?
Oh, so many! Think sliced yellow squash, eggplant rounds (they might need a little longer bake time initially), or even thick slices of bell peppers. Broccoli florets or cauliflower florets tossed with a little oil and seasoning would also be delicious baked with cheese. Just adjust the initial baking time based on the vegetable.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
That’s super easy! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or even some crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your cheese and any other added seasonings are also certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Q: My zucchini seemed a bit watery. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the zucchini slices were too thick, or if they were piled up on the baking sheet instead of in a single layer. Also, not patting them dry enough before seasoning can contribute to extra moisture. Try slicing them thinner and giving them more space on the pan next time!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
When it comes to the nutritional details for this delicious Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese, it’s important to remember that things can vary a bit! The exact amounts of calories, fat, protein, and carbs can change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, like the type of cheese or olive oil, and even the exact size of your zucchinis. Because of these little differences, I don’t provide precise nutritional breakdowns. But generally speaking, this dish is a lighter option, especially when served as a side, offering some good veggies and satisfying cheese! For more information on the nutritional benefits of zucchini, you can check out Healthline.
Quick Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for oven-baked zucchini with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
- Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: zucchini, cheese, baked, oven, side dish, vegetarian