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To make Baked Zucchini and Cheese, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh basil - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: red pepper flakes These ingredients work together to create a warm and cheesy comfort dish. The zucchini gives a nice texture, while the cheeses add creaminess. Fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor, and the panko breadcrumbs add crunch. You can find the full recipe for Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini Delight in the earlier section. Enjoy cooking this dish and savoring its delightful taste! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): This step gets your oven ready. A hot oven helps the dish cook evenly. - Prepare the zucchini and seasoning: In a bowl, mix sliced zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss them well. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. - Arrange the zucchini on the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the zucchini slices in one layer. This helps them bake nicely. - Mix the cheesy topping: In another bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Stir until mixed well. - Top the zucchini with the cheese mixture: Sprinkle the cheese mix over the zucchini slices. Make sure each piece gets a good amount. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes: Place your baking sheet in the oven. You want the cheese to melt and the zucchini to get tender. - Crisp the topping under the broiler: For a golden finish, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Cool the dish before serving: Let it sit for a few minutes. This cools it down and enhances the flavors. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the dish on a pretty platter. Add fresh herbs for color. Drizzle with olive oil for shine. This dish works great as a side or light main meal. To make your baked zucchini shine, use great seasonings. I love using fresh herbs like basil and parsley. They add a bright, fresh taste. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. For a little kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Baking time is key. I recommend 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You want the cheese to melt and bubble. If you like it crispy, broil for the last few minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds. This size helps them cook evenly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. You can also use a mandoline for quick, even slices. Zucchini can hold a lot of water. To remove excess moisture, sprinkle salt on the slices. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps keep your dish from getting soggy. While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can mix it up! Try using cheddar for a sharper taste. Feta adds a nice tang as well. If you need a vegan option, look for plant-based cheeses made from nuts or soy. Nutritional yeast is another great substitute. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. {{image_4}} You can change the veggies in this dish. Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These will add color and flavor. You can also swap the panko for crushed crackers or cornflakes. These options give a nice crunch too. Spices can change the taste of your dish. Try adding smoked paprika or cumin for a warm flavor. You may also toss in cooked chicken, bacon, or chickpeas. Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts add a crunchy twist. You can serve this dish as a main meal. Pair it with quinoa or rice for a filling plate. It also goes well with a fresh salad. Mix greens, tomatoes, and a simple dressing for a great combo. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool down. Cut it into portions for easy reheating. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This baked zucchini and cheese dish stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious meal while it’s still fresh! For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini Delight. Can I use frozen zucchini? Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. However, it may release more water. This can make the dish more soggy. If you use frozen zucchini, thaw it first and drain any excess water. How do I prevent the dish from becoming soggy? To prevent sogginess, slice the zucchini evenly and salt it before cooking. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel before seasoning and baking. How long does it take to bake the zucchini? Baking the zucchini takes about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The cheese should melt and become bubbly. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy. What’s the best way to check for doneness? To check for doneness, insert a fork into the zucchini. It should be soft but still hold its shape. Look for the cheese to be golden and bubbly. If it’s not there yet, give it a few more minutes. Questions about calorie content This dish is a balanced choice. A serving has about 200 calories, depending on the cheese used. You can adjust the cheese to lower the calories if needed. Is this dish suitable for specific diets? Yes, this dish suits many diets. It’s vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make it dairy-free with vegan cheese options. This blog post covers a simple and tasty zucchini dish. We explored the ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips for a perfect cook. I shared ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. This dish is versatile and can fit various diets. Remember to play with flavors and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy creating this delicious meal, and let zucchini shine on your plate!

Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini Delight! This easy recipe transforms simple zucchini into a cheesy, crispy masterpiece that's perfect as a side dish or a light main course. With mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it's bursting with flavor and irresistibly satisfying. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring it to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the zucchini: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each zucchini slice is evenly coated with the mixture.

      Arrange the zucchini: Take a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lay the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and browning.

        Mix the cheesy topping: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped basil, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

          Top the zucchini: Generously sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture over the zucchini slices, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor and texture.

            Bake it up: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with the zucchini becoming tender.

              Crisp the topping: For an added crispy finish, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, as broiling can happen quickly!

                Cool and serve: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the zucchini from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and avoid burns.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy baked zucchini on a large, attractive platter. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and a touch of extra flavor. For an aromatic shine, drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving. This dish can be enjoyed as a delightful side or as a light vegetarian main course!