Baked Zucchini And Tomatoes
A delightful baked zucchini and tomato dish layered with onions and topped with crushed crackers, offering fresh flavors and crispy textures perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini, tomatoes, and onion.
- Peel the tomatoes and onion; do not peel the zucchini unless the skin is tough.
- Slice all vegetables into very thin crosswise slices.
- In a greased baking dish, make alternate layers of zucchini, tomatoes, and onions.
- Sprinkle each layer with a little salt and pepper, and dot with butter.
- Cover the top with crushed butter crackers.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, select zucchini that are firm and bright in color. If you prefer a bit more flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like basil or oregano between the layers. If you don’t have butter crackers, crushed breadcrumbs or even seasoned panko can be used as a topping. To ensure even cooking, slice the vegetables uniformly thin.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes dish pairs beautifully with Keftetas (Greek Meatballs) or a refreshing green salad. Consider serving it alongside quinoa or couscous for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic side dish to grilled meats or fish. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish back in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Zucchini And Tomatoes contains roughly 270 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2118mg per serving (92% 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 use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed, depending on the moisture content and cooking time of the vegetables you choose.
Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling the tomatoes is not strictly necessary, but it does help reduce the overall moisture in the dish and gives a smoother texture. If you prefer a rustic style, you can leave the skins on for added color and nutrition.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed. This can enhance the flavors as they meld overnight.
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).