Description
This Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe features tender zucchini slices coated in a savory mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. It’s a delicious and easy side dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Cheese and Coating
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Coat Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each slice is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
- Mix Cheese and Breadcrumbs: In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs to create the coating mixture.
- Coat Zucchini with Cheese Mixture: Dip each seasoned zucchini slice into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat fully on all sides.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese and breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the zucchini slices cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, you can pre-toast the breadcrumbs before mixing them with the cheese.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- This recipe works well as a side dish or a light appetizer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
