Baked Zucchini And Cheese
Baked zucchini layered with savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese offers a comforting, flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan; sauté sliced onions for 10 minutes.
- Add drained and chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and minced garlic to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat for 45 minutes, then taste for seasoning and puree in a blender or use a sieve.
- Slice unpeeled zucchini and shake in a paper bag with flour to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook the zucchini slices until lightly browned.
- In a shallow baking dish, arrange successive layers of cooked zucchini, sauce, and sliced mozzarella cheese, ending with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or oregano alongside the basil. If you're out of mozzarella, any melting cheese will work, such as provolone or cheddar. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative. You can also try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. This dish is a great way to use up summer zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Zucchini And Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh Tabouli(Greek Salad) or a light green salad for a complete meal. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside grilled chicken for added protein. It also makes a fantastic side dish for Mediterranean recipes, complementing grilled fish or lamb.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the zucchini.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Zucchini And Cheese contains roughly 1138 calories, with 36g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2811mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).