Let me tell you about my absolute go-to dish that’s a total winner at our family dinners: simple baked zucchini and cheese! This dish came about on one of those busy weeknights when I needed something quick but still comforting and delicious. I grabbed some fresh zucchinis and cheese, tossed them together, and popped them in the oven. The result? A warm, cheesy delight that’s ready in just 35 minutes! The best part is, it’s super easy to make, and my kids absolutely love it. It’s become a staple in our home, and I just know it’ll be a hit in yours too. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect flavor in your simple baked zucchini and cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis: Make sure they’re firm and fresh! Slice them into rounds for even baking.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: You can use your favorite cheese here—cheddar adds a nice sharpness, while mozzarella gives that gooey, stretchy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help the zucchini roast beautifully and keep everything nice and moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Just the right amount for that savory kick! If you love garlic like I do, feel free to sprinkle a bit more.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way in elevating the flavors, so don’t skip these!
That’s it! Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this simple baked zucchini and cheese! It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, golden-brown dish ready in just 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your zucchini gets that perfect roast and your cheese melts beautifully.
- Slice the zucchinis: Grab those fresh zucchinis and slice them into rounds, about ½ inch thick. This thickness is key; too thin and they might get mushy, too thick and they’ll take longer to cook.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every slice is coated evenly—this is where the magic begins!
- Spread on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spread the seasoned zucchini in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly and develop that lovely color.
- Cheese it up!: Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the zucchini. Don’t be shy here; more cheese equals more deliciousness!
- Bake it: Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for tender zucchini and bubbly, golden cheese—it’s going to smell amazing!
And that’s it! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute before serving. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
- Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of melted cheese with fresh zucchini creates a comforting and indulgent flavor that everyone in the family will love.
- Healthy Side Dish: Packed with veggies, this baked zucchini is a great way to sneak in some nutrition while still being super tasty.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses or add herbs and spices to make it your own!
- Kid-Friendly: My kids can’t get enough of this cheesy goodness, and I bet yours will love it too!
Tips for Success with Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your simple baked zucchini and cheese turns out just right every time! First, feel free to experiment with cheese—parmesan adds a lovely nuttiness, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides the best of both worlds. If you want a little extra flair, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of flavor. You can even toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and nutrition!
Another tip is to make sure the zucchini is evenly coated in olive oil and seasoning—this helps them roast beautifully without drying out. Lastly, if you prefer a crispier top, pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information for Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Each serving of this simple baked zucchini and cheese is around 150 calories, with 10g of fat and 8g of protein, making it a satisfying side dish. You’ll also get about 8g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the cheese and any additional ingredients you choose to add. Enjoy your cheesy goodness guilt-free!
FAQ about Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Got questions about making this dish? I’ve got answers! One common question is, Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! While zucchini is the star here, you can also try yellow squash or even eggplant. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different veggies may require slight adjustments.
Another frequently asked question is, How can I make it gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just ensure that any added seasonings or cheese blends you use are also gluten-free. And if you’re wondering, Can I prep it ahead of time? Yes! You can slice the zucchini and mix the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Lastly, What should I serve it with? This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or even as part of a veggie platter. Enjoy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your simple baked zucchini and cheese fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of meals. For a hearty option, pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying dinner that balances protein with those tasty veggies. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy zucchini.
Additionally, it makes a fantastic side for pasta dishes, especially those with a light tomato or basil sauce. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving it as part of a veggie platter with hummus or a yogurt dip. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
For more delicious recipes, check out Maultaschen mit Spinat und Ricotta or Maultaschen in Rahmsauce.
Drucken
Simple Baked Zucchini and Cheese: A Cheesy Delight for All
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A quick and easy dish featuring baked zucchini with cheese.
Zutaten
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the zucchinis into rounds.
- In a bowl, mix the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the zucchini on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the zucchini.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 300mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 8g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: simple baked zucchini and cheese
