Description
Cheesy zucchini tomato bake brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across dinner plates with irresistible charm. Garden-fresh ingredients meld into a simple yet elegant casserole that promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups (about 2 medium) zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cheese and Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and apply a light coating of grease to a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Add sliced zucchini to the pan and cook until it reaches a slightly tender consistency, about 5 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring even distribution.
- Season the vegetable mixture with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer the seasoned vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables, creating a complete coverage.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to add an extra layer of richness and depth.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Notes
- Swap zucchini with yellow squash for a colorful twist and added nutritional variety.
- Pat zucchini dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy texture.
- For a low-carb version, replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese.
- Enhance flavor by roasting vegetables before baking to intensify their natural sweetness and develop deeper caramelized notes.
- Prep Time: 10-11 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg