Zucchini, Tomato And Swiss Cheese Pie
A savory zucchini, tomato, and Swiss cheese pie featuring fresh vegetables, hearty eggs, and cheesy goodness, perfect for a comforting meal or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. fennel seed, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. grated or sliced Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- ground pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Using 1/2 tablespoon butter, grease the pie plate, then sprinkle the bread crumbs over the bottom and sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 10 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Raise the heat to high.
- Mix in sliced zucchini, crushed fennel seed, salt, and ground pepper.
- Cook until zucchini is barely tender, about 5 minutes, until mixture begins to stick to the pan.
- Remove the pan from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before proceeding.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
- Stir in the milk, then add the zucchini mixture and combine.
- Pour half of the egg mixture into the prepared pie plate.
- Top with grated or sliced Swiss cheese.
- Pour the remaining vegetable mixture over the cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and dot with remaining butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the Swiss cheese with a low-fat cheese. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. If you don't have fennel seeds, dill works well. Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pie crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delightful served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad or serve alongside a bowl of Tomato Herb Soup for a complete meal. It also complements well with a dollop of Spiced Yogurt Dressing for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini, Tomato And Swiss Cheese Pie contains roughly 807 calories, with 17g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. 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 use other vegetables in this pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of the moisture content; you may need to sauté them longer to ensure they don’t make the pie soggy.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste.
Is this pie suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as per the instructions.
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).