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- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The ingredients for this baked zucchini casserole are fresh and simple. You start with zucchinis, which are mild and tasty. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Chopping an onion and garlic gives the dish great depth. The cheeses make it rich and creamy, while the breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Olive oil helps everything cook well and adds a bit of healthy fat. - Calories per serving: About 210 calories - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 12g Zucchinis are low in calories and high in water. This makes them great for hydration. They also contain vitamins A and C, which are good for your skin. The cheese adds calcium for strong bones. Overall, this dish is tasty and healthy. I encourage you to try the full recipe and enjoy this delightful dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. How do you slice zucchinis properly? Start by washing them well. Cut off both ends. Place the zucchini flat on the cutting board. Slice into even rounds about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking. What are some tips for chopping onions and garlic? For onions, cut the onion in half, then slice it thin. Try to keep your fingers tucked in to avoid cuts. For garlic, crush the clove with the flat side of a knife. Then, chop it finely. This releases the flavors well. How do you prepare cherry tomatoes? Rinse them under cool water. Cut each tomato in half. This helps them cook evenly and adds flavor to the dish. How do you sauté vegetables to perfection? Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion first. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. How do you combine ingredients for optimal flavor? Add sliced zucchinis and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the zucchini tender but still firm. How do you transfer the mixture to the baking dish? Take a large mixing bowl and add the sautéed veggies. Mix in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir it well so all flavors blend. Then, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. What is the ideal oven temperature and baking time? Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. How do you know when it's ready? Look for bubbly cheese on top and a golden brown color. This shows the casserole is cooked well. What are the best practices for cooling and serving? Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. You can serve it with a simple green salad. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep zucchinis from getting mushy, slice them evenly. Thin rounds cook faster, while thick pieces take longer. Avoid overcooking them in the skillet. Sauté just until tender but still crisp. Layering is key. Start with a base of zucchini and tomatoes. Add half the cheese mixture next. Finish with a top layer of breadcrumbs and cheese. This method helps create a great texture throughout. Herbs and spices can elevate your dish. I suggest using oregano and basil, which add depth. You can also try thyme or rosemary for a twist. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or ground turkey. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color. Garnishing is simple. Use fresh basil leaves before serving for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a touch of elegance. For serving, place the casserole on a colorful plate. It pairs well with a green salad, making a full meal. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a fun twist. Explore these ideas to make your dish visually appealing. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding other veggies. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. They add color and taste. You can also switch up the cheese. Use goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist. Each choice brings a new flavor to your casserole. If you want a gluten-free meal, there are great options. Use crushed nuts or cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish crunchy. You can also make your own gluten-free casserole. Just ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. It's easy and still tasty. For a heartier meal, think about adding meat or legumes. Ground turkey or black beans work well. They add protein and make it filling. You can also change the cheese blend. Mix sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a rich taste. Each addition makes your casserole unique and fun to eat. For the full recipe, you can find it in the previous section. When you finish your cheesy baked zucchini casserole, you might want to save some for later. Make sure to let the casserole cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps the dish tasty for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-25 minutes. Reheating your casserole is simple. You can use the oven, microwave, or even a stovetop pan. The oven gives the best results. Just cover it with foil to avoid drying out. For creative uses, consider adding leftovers to a wrap or tossing them in a salad. The flavors mix well with other ingredients, making a fun new dish. You can also layer it in a sandwich for a tasty lunch! To make Baked Zucchini Casserole from scratch, follow these simple steps: 1. Prep your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). 2. Sauté the onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chopped onion until soft. 3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic for a fragrant base. 4. Mix in zucchini and tomatoes: Add sliced zucchinis and halved cherry tomatoes, seasoning with dried herbs, salt, and pepper. 5. Combine everything: After cooking the veggies, mix them with half the cheese in a bowl. 6. Transfer to a dish: Place the mixture in a greased baking dish. 7. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs: Mix the remaining cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top. 8. Bake it: Cook for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. This method keeps the flavors bright and fresh. You can find the Full Recipe for all the details. Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this casserole. Here are some great options: - Cheddar: A sharp taste that adds depth. - Feta: For a tangy flavor, crumble it into the mix. - Gruyère: This cheese melts well and has a rich taste. - Goat cheese: Adds creaminess and a unique flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences! Baked Zucchini Casserole pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Simple green salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. - Garlic bread: Toasted bread adds a nice crunch. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the dish. - Quinoa or rice: These grains help balance the meal. These sides enhance the flavors and make your meal even more enjoyable! This blog post covered how to make a delicious baked zucchini casserole. You learned the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Whether you want a vegetarian option or need gluten-free choices, this recipe is easy to adapt. Cooking is about creativity, so have fun with it! Enjoy your meal, and remember to share leftovers in unique ways for a tasty twist. You now have all the tools to make this dish a hit. Happy cooking!

Baked Zucchini Casserole

Savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole! This easy recipe combines fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a blend of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a light main meal, it's a flavorful addition to any dinner table. Ready in just 45 minutes, this casserole will impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a cheesy, veggie-packed delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

      Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Stir in the sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed zucchini mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.

            Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

              In a small bowl, combine the remaining breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves before serving. You can serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal!