Description
A delicious and healthy Parmesan Tomato Zucchini Bake featuring layers of thinly sliced zucchini and tomatoes topped with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, baked to bubbly perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your dish evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add extra flavor.
- Arrange Zucchini: Lay the thinly sliced zucchini in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish, creating a base for the bake.
- Layer Tomatoes: Place the thinly sliced tomato slices evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Make Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to create a fragrant dressing.
- Drizzle Oil Mixture: Pour the garlic and herb oil evenly over the tomato layer to infuse flavor into the vegetables.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top of the vegetables for a cheesy crust.
- Add Breadcrumbs: If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese to add a crunchy texture to the bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, bright flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina if desired.
- This bake can be served as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
