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
Scale
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.
