Deep South Zucchini
A flavorful Southern casserole combining crispy bacon, zucchini, and vegetables, topped with Parmesan cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until very crisp; crumble and reserve.
- Saute onion in 1 tablespoon bacon grease until golden.
- Add all the other ingredients except cheese to the onion and bacon mixture and cook briefly.
- Mix the cooked mixture and pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you don’t have okra, feel free to substitute with green beans or asparagus. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; consider using a tablespoon of fresh basil or thyme instead of dried. Ensure your zucchini is not too watery by patting it dry before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Deep South Zucchini as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Pork recipes and can complement a summer barbecue spread. Consider adding a green salad or cornbread to round out the meal. For a twist, serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete vegetarian dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Deep South Zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep South Zucchini contains roughly 162 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1091mg per serving (47% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Deep South Zucchini vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable oil for sautéing the onions. You can also add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon would provide, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, though this may alter the consistency slightly. For a richer flavor, consider simmering the crushed tomatoes with some herbs to concentrate the taste before adding them to the dish.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To add some heat to your Deep South Zucchini, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the mixture. If you prefer milder flavors, you can simply reduce the amount of green pepper or omit any spicy ingredients while still enjoying the dish's rich flavors.
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).