Description
This zucchini and cheese bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect as a main dish or a side. Fresh zucchini is combined with a savory egg mixture, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This easy, low-carb, and gluten-free recipe is a great way to enjoy zucchini in a delicious and comforting way.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 to 4 zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch thick half moons (about 6 cups)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 whole eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups finely shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
-
Prepare the Zucchini
- Slice the zucchinis into ¼-inch thick half moons.
- Arrange the zucchini slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and toss to combine.
-
Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, dried basil, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the zucchini slices.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Dot the surface with butter slices for added richness.
-
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini softens and the casserole firms up.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm as a main course or a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
- Want a crunchier top? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking.
- Make it extra creamy by adding ½ cup of ricotta or cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American