If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week, you’ll adore this One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe. It combines tender zucchini rounds and juicy cherry tomatoes with irresistible, melty cheeses all baked together in one pan. This recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients, quick preparation, and the kind of cozy comfort food that never fails to please. Whether you’re a veggie lover or just wanting a warm, cheesy delight, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that work perfectly in harmony. Each item is essential: the zucchini offers a tender, slightly crisp base, the cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness, and the cheese creates that golden, bubbling top that makes you want to dive right in.
- 4 medium zucchinis (sliced into rounds): The star veggie, providing a mild, tender bite and beautiful green color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds juicy pops of vibrant sweetness that balance the savory cheese.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant, slightly spicy note that lifts the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that classic gooey cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances overall savoriness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps everything roast perfectly with a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm herbal hint that pairs beautifully with zucchini and tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat for balance.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Offers a fresh, aromatic finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to roast the vegetables until tender while getting that irresistible golden cheese crust.
Step 2: Toss the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine your sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is packed with balanced, vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Dish
Spread the tossed vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish or sheet pan. Giving everything space to roast means the zucchini will soften just right and the tomatoes will caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the vegetable mixture. This layer of cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden topping that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbling beautifully with golden spots.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Allow your One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe to cool just a bit before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. This final touch adds freshness and a pop of color, making the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish here, lending an herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with bubbly cheese. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This baked zucchini cheese dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, crusty bread for scooping up the melty bits, or even some grilled chicken or seafood to round out the meal. It’s versatile enough to be a main or a flavorful side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve it layered in individual ramekins or as a warm topping on toasted crostini for an impressive appetizer. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or swap in a mix of cheeses for a fun spin on this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though the texture of the zucchini softens more after thawing. Pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the zucchini tender. Microwaving works too for a quicker option but may lose a bit of crispness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with cheddar, fontina, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor profile that complements the zucchini and tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe is naturally low in carbs and packed with veggies and protein from the cheese, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.
How do I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes during the vegetable tossing step or drizzle hot sauce on the finished dish. Fresh jalapeño slices can also be a tasty addition.
Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?
Definitely! If you prefer to skip garlic, you can replace it with shallots or a pinch of garlic powder to maintain some depth of flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
What is the best baking dish to use for this recipe?
A large baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan works best for even roasting and easy spreading of ingredients. Make sure it’s oven-safe and big enough to spread the veggies in a single layer.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe enough for any occasion where you want something quick, satisfying, and full of fresh flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels both homey and a little special, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a go-to favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan baked zucchini and cheese dish featuring tender zucchini rounds, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a golden, bubbly blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and herbs for a perfect savory side or light main.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your zucchini and cheese dish evenly and to a perfect golden finish.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss them thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasonings for balanced flavor.
- Arrange in baking dish: Spread the coated vegetable mixture evenly across a baking dish or sheet pan, making sure there’s enough space for even cooking and roasting.
- Add the cheeses: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables to create a rich, cheesy topping that will melt and brown beautifully.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the baked zucchini and cheese to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- To add protein, consider mixing cooked quinoa or cooked chicken pieces into the vegetable mixture before baking.
- This dish pairs well as a side for grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main course.
- Use fresh oregano in place of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor if available.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all seasonings and cheese are certified gluten-free.
