Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini is a comforting, savory dish that transforms simple zucchini into a creamy, cheesy delight. With a mix of heavy cream, sour cream, and two types of cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite side dish that’s perfect for dinners. Let’s dive into how to make this decadent, yet easy, dish:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Salt, for zucchini
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions:
- Prep the Zucchini:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sliced zucchini in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps draw out moisture. Afterward, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Sauté Garlic:
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Mix Creams and Seasonings:
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, sour cream, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add half of the Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup) to the mixture, along with the sautéed garlic. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the zucchini, ensuring all slices are covered. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the zucchini is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This will enable the creamy sauce to thicken up a bit.
Tips:
- Drawing Out Moisture: Salting and letting the zucchini sit before baking is crucial to avoid a watery dish. The salt draws out moisture from the zucchini.
- Broil for a Crispier Top: For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, you can broil the zucchini for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It’s rich and creamy enough to stand on its own but also makes a great accompaniment to lighter dishes.
Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini is not just a way to use up an abundance of zucchini; it’s a delicious, comforting side dish that’s sure to impress. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it might just become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen.