Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.