Zucchini Surprise
Zucchini Surprise is a savory baked dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini, Parmesan, Italian spices, and eggs, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: sliced zucchini, Bisquick, Parmesan cheese, Italian spices, salt, parsley, chopped onion, vegetable oil, and beaten eggs.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative if desired. If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, try using a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick. This recipe can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Zucchini Surprise as a delightful side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Corn Bread Fish Bake for a unique and satisfying dinner. You can also enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks or picnics. A fresh salad on the side would complement the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Zucchini Surprise can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Surprise contains roughly 271 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2022mg per serving (88% 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 frozen zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary. Be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mixture, as this can affect the baking outcome.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make Zucchini Surprise dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Ensure that any other ingredients used, such as Bisquick, are also dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize Zucchini Surprise by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them finely and consider adjusting the seasoning to complement the new 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).