Zucchini With Cheese
Zucchini with Cheese is a savory baked dish featuring golden sautéed zucchini slices layered with fresh tomatoes and topped with a blend of cheeses and herbs. Its comforting flavors and creamy cheese topping make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, highlighting the fresh taste of zucchini and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. zucchini ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lite salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup liquid Butter Buds
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup Mock Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups grated Alpine Lace nonfat Cheddar cheese or 16 oz. Kraft Free cheese slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray an 8 x 8 x 2-inch casserole dish with nonfat cooking spray.
- Scrub zucchini well with a stiff brush and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.
- In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon lite salt, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Toss zucchini slices in seasoned flour to coat them well.
- Slowly heat liquid Butter Buds in a nonstick skillet.
- Saute zucchini slices until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a layer of zucchini slices.
- Top with sliced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 25-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped onions while sautéing the zucchini. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For added creaminess, you can use a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of Mock Sour Cream. This dish can also be adapted with other vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers, making it versatile for various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy zucchini dish as a delightful side with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice. This recipe is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a comforting addition to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the zucchini dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, checking to avoid overcooking and ensuring the cheese stays melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini With Cheese contains roughly 370 calories, with 13g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 9g 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 use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano will add a vibrant flavor to your dish. Use about three times the amount of fresh oregano compared to dried, so you would need approximately 4-5 teaspoons of fresh oregano. Just add it to the zucchini while sautéing for the best taste.
What can I substitute for the Mock Sour Cream?
If you don't have Mock Sour Cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt or regular sour cream can be used as a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using cashew cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative, both of which will keep the dish creamy and flavorful.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this zucchini dish! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until warmed 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).