I’m sharing a simple, cheesy baked zucchini dish—featuring tender zucchini slices bathed in melted cheese and fragrant spices—for an easy, comforting side that pairs beautifully with almost any main.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how effortlessly this bake transforms humble zucchini into a melty, savory delight. It’s trick‑free, veggie-forward, and the cheese brings a satisfying richness that’s both nostalgic and wholesome—perfect for midweek dinners or casual gatherings.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I typically use:
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Zucchini, sliced (¼″ thick is ideal)
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Olive oil
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Shredded cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend
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Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika (optional), salt, and pepper
directions
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I preheat the oven to about 375–425 °F, depending on how quickly I want a golden finish.
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I slice zucchini into uniform rounds, pat them dry after lightly salting to reduce moisture, and then toss with olive oil, seasonings, and the shredded cheese.
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I arrange the zucchini in a single layer—ideally on a rack for airflow—and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Prep takes around 10 minutes, and bake time ranges between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness and temperature—so it’s an ideal quick side.
Variations
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I’ll sometimes combine zucchini with yellow squash or add shredded basil or onions for added flavor.
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For a richer taste, I’ll swap in Italian seasoning or toss in extra Parmesan for a golden crust.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in a warm oven to restore the cheese’s melt—no soggy slices in sight!
FAQs
Do I need to pat the zucchini dry?
Yes—removing moisture helps avoid soggy results. Lightly salting and dabbing the slices removes excess water before baking.
What temperature works best?
Anywhere between 375–425 °F works. Higher temps brown the cheese faster; lower temps yield gentler cooking. I typically start around 400 °F.
How long to bake zucchini?
At 425 °F, zucchini slices usually need 10–12 minutes; thicker cuts require more time.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely—I use whatever melts beautifully. Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for tang, and Parmesan for savory crust.
Can I make this ahead or freeze?
I recommend serving fresh, but leftovers reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer. Freezing may affect texture, so fresh is best.
Conclusion
I find Baked Zucchini and Cheese a comforting classic when I need tasty simplicity. It’s quick, flexible, and irresistibly cheesy—perfect for using up zucchini and satisfying cravings at the same time.
Print
Baked Zucchini and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender zucchini baked with a golden, cheesy topping, this simple yet flavorful dish is perfect as a side or light main course.
Ingredients
3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Arrange zucchini in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve warm as a side dish or over pasta for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
