Cheese-Zucchini Bake
A comforting baked casserole featuring a creamy blend of cottage cheese, zucchini, and herbs, topped with Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a mild, cheesy flavor complemented by the freshness of summer squash, making it perfect for family dinners or summer gatherings with a light yet satisfying profile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups small-curd creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 5 cups thinly sliced zucchini or summer squash ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cottage cheese, dried basil, oregano, drained sliced olives, beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon of flour in a bowl; set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until tender.
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
- Combine the cooked zucchini mixture with the cottage cheese mixture and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if available. If you want extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. If you prefer, swap zucchini with summer squash for a slightly different taste. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various flavors typically found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese-Zucchini Bake makes a delightful main dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Peach Jello Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese-Zucchini Bake contains roughly 775 calories, with 22g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheese-Zucchini Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If you don't have zucchini, you can substitute it with yellow squash, eggplant, or even bell peppers. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Can I freeze the Cheese-Zucchini Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the Cheese-Zucchini Bake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed until 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).