Cheesy Garlic Herb Zucchini Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice them evenly into approximately ¼-inch-thick rounds.
- Place the zucchini slices in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently until all the zucchini slices are evenly coated with the oil, garlic, and seasonings.
- Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices upright in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create neat rows.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly between and over the zucchini slices.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top. Add a small amount of extra Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
- For a beautifully golden-brown cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2–4 minutes. Watch carefully during this step to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Remove the zucchini bake from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve warm.
Tips
Pat the zucchini slices thoroughly dry before seasoning them. Zucchini naturally contains a lot of moisture, so removing excess water helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
For an extra creamy version, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese or softened cream cheese over the bottom of the baking dish before arranging the zucchini.
Keep the zucchini slices around ¼ inch thick. Very thin slices can become overly soft during baking.
Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella generally melt better and provide a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat the zucchini bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly again.
Microwaving also works for individual portions, although the zucchini and cheese may be softer.
Freezing is not recommended because zucchini contains a high amount of water and can become very soft after thawing.
