Description
Zucchini meets cheese in this irresistible low-carb cheesy zucchini bake, a simple Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that keeps carb-conscious diners delighted and hungry for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 medium yellow squash
Cheese:
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and coat an 8″ baking dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice zucchini and yellow squash into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Finely chop fresh basil and thinly slice green onions to enhance aromatic herb profile.
- Combine zucchini, squash, herbs, thyme, garlic powder, and half the cheese varieties in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Spread vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a level surface for uniform baking.
- Roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes until vegetables become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the partially cooked vegetables, creating a melty golden topping.
- Return to oven for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- Serve immediately while cheese is hot and vegetables retain their vibrant, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Pat zucchini and squash dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and non-soggy final dish.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Swap cheeses for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to accommodate plant-based diets.
- Add protein by incorporating cooked ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu for a more substantial meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg