Zucchini's Cheesy Affair: Perfect Pairing For A Summer Dish

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways, but one of the most popular methods is to bake it with cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes. The perfect balance of crispy and cheesy can be achieved by baking zucchini tossed with onion, tomatoes, herbs, spices, and mozzarella. For a more noodle-like texture, you can grate the zucchini or use a mandoline slicer.

Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretchy and melty texture, but other cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyere, and Asiago can also be used. For a more colourful dish, you can use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini.

If you want to prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy, you can sprinkle salt on the freshly cut zucchini and let it sit in a strainer to draw out the water. Alternatively, you can sauté the zucchini before baking it to reduce its moisture.

This cheesy zucchini bake pairs well with grilled meats and seafood, or it can be enjoyed on its own with a loaf of crusty bread and a side salad.

Mozzarella, Gruyere and Parmesan

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour that melts beautifully, making it a perfect topping for a zucchini bake. Its stretchy, melty texture is also ideal for gratins.

Gruyere is a creamy, delicious cheese that blends well with other cheeses. It has a slightly salty, nutty flavour and a rich, creamy texture. It adds a unique taste to zucchini bakes and gratins.

Parmesan is a hard, nutty cheese with a strong flavour. It can be grated or shredded and sprinkled over zucchini before baking. It adds a savoury, salty taste to the zucchini and is a great way to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Zucchini and cheese is a popular combination and can be made in many ways. Zucchini bakes and gratins are simple to make and can be adapted to personal preference. These dishes are often low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

• To prevent zucchini from becoming soggy, lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes. The salt will draw out the water. You can also sauté the zucchini before adding it to the dish.
• For a more colourful casserole, use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Mozzarella, Gruyere, Parmesan, cheddar, feta, and pepper jack are all excellent choices.
• For a Mexican twist, add cumin, chilli powder, and paprika to the zucchini mixture.
• For an Italian flavour, add basil and oregano.

Whether served as a side dish or a main course, zucchini and cheese is a tasty and nutritious option that can be customised to suit your taste preferences.

Cheddar

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Wash the zucchini, cut off the top and the end, then cut zucchini into ¼" thick slices. Place all on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit while you prepare the rest.
• Preheat oven to 425° F.
• Once you notice droplets of liquid on zucchini, pat it with a paper towel, then place all in a large bowl.
• Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper, oil, and cheese to the bowl with zucchini slices. Stir together.
• Arrange zucchini slices on a baking sheet. For even better results, place them on a rack, so the air can circulate under the zucchini. Top with more cheese if desired.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Remove from oven. Wait a few minutes, then serve.

Baked zucchini

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili pepper flakes, for garnish

Optional ingredients:

• Onion
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken stock

Method:

Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). In a baking dish, combine diced zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, fresh ground black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir together until the veggies are coated with cheese and the herbs are well-distributed.

Bake in the oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or slightly longer. Pierce a piece of zucchini with a fork to ensure it is mostly tender. When the zucchini is nearly cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Put the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned, and the zucchini is fully cooked.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red chili pepper flakes, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can add a couple of tablespoons of grated parmesan to the zucchini if you like.
• Use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini for a more colourful dish.
• Add a teaspoon of instant chicken stock to enhance the flavour.
• To prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy, lightly salt the diced zucchini and let it sit on paper towels for 15 minutes on each side to absorb the excess water.

Serving suggestions:

This baked zucchini and cheese pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, steak, shrimp, or salmon.

Enjoy your cheesy, crispy zucchini!

Crispy zucchini

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional ingredients

• Olive oil spray
• Melted butter
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper

Method

• Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper and coat it with olive oil spray.
• Slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Place the salted zucchini in a colander in the sink and let them stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. This should draw some of the water out. After 30 minutes, rinse and blot dry the zucchini slices using paper towels.
• Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them with olive oil. Bake them for 15 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the zucchini slices with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. There's no need to flip the zucchini.
• Return the pan to the oven and continue baking until the zucchini slices are browned and crisp, 15-20 more minutes.

Tips

• Salting the zucchini slices before baking them is an annoying extra step, but it removes water from the zucchini, which helps achieve crispiness. So, I don't recommend skipping this step.
• Oven temperatures vary. Start with ten minutes, then check the zucchini slices. If they're already browning, sprinkle them with the cheese and seasoning and place them in the oven for just five more minutes or until crispy.
• If the zucchini slices are still wet and soggy after 10 minutes, keep baking them for the full 15 minutes or even 20 minutes, then sprinkle them with cheese and seasonings and bake until they are crispy.
• Some of the zucchini slices will be ready before the others. Remove them to a plate and keep baking the ones that have not crisped up yet.

Zucchini and tomatoes

Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes

This dish is a perfect example of how zucchini and tomatoes can come together to create a delicious and healthy meal. Simply combine diced zucchini, bell pepper, chopped onions, grape tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven at 375ºF (190ºC) until the zucchini is tender. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red chilli pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Zucchini and Tomato Gratin

For a more indulgent option, try making a zucchini and tomato gratin. Layer sliced zucchini and tomatoes in a baking dish, and top with a creamy, cheesy sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, and Gruyere cheeses. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

Cheesy Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes

For a quick and easy side dish, try roasting zucchini and tomato slices with olive oil, sea salt, ground pepper, and a blend of Italian shredded cheese. This dish is ready in just 10 minutes and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Zucchini and Tomato Casserole

If you're looking for a heartier option, try making a zucchini and tomato casserole. Combine sliced zucchini and tomatoes with basil, green onions, thyme, garlic powder, and grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole is a great option for a potluck or family gathering.

Zucchini, Tomato, and Chicken Bake

For a complete meal, try adding some protein to your zucchini and tomato dish. Simply combine sliced zucchini and tomatoes with cubed chicken, your choice of cheese, and your favourite spices. Bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through. This dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and please your taste buds!

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