Loaded Zucchini Bake – Cheesy Comfort Recipe
This Loaded Zucchini Bake is a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for zucchini lovers. Layers of fresh zucchini are combined with creamy cheese and a rich cream sauce, seasoned perfectly and baked to a golden bubbly finish. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a vegetable-packed meal accompaniment with a velvety texture and irresistible cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cream & Seasoning:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini casserole evenly.
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds for layering.
- Mix cream and seasoning: In a bowl, combine heavy cream with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian herbs, stirring well for a flavorful sauce.
- Layer the ingredients: In a baking dish, create layers starting with a portion of zucchini slices, followed by a generous sprinkle of mixed cheeses, then drizzle with the cream sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
- Cool and serve: Allow the baked zucchini to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set and flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream.
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère for added depth of flavor.
- Ensure zucchini is sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Let the bake rest a few minutes before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.
Keywords: Zucchini bake, cheesy zucchini casserole, comfort food, baked vegetable dish, creamy zucchini recipe
