Ingredients
- Zucchini: 3 medium-sized zucchini, about 1.5 pounds, forms the base of this healthy and flavorful bake. Choose firm zucchini for the best texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated is highly recommended for superior flavor and melting. It creates the signature crispy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs will provide extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs work well too. They add texture and help bind the topping.
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced, infuses the bake with a savory and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced is always best.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor profile. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It helps to crisp up the topping and adds richness.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the zucchini bake from sticking.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice the zucchini into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. You want them to be thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to cook through quickly.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork or your fingers until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is crumbly. This is your flavorful and crispy topping.
- Arrange Zucchini in Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced zucchini rounds in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. You can slightly overlap them if needed, but try to keep them mostly in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the zucchini slices in the baking dish. This helps the zucchini to soften and adds moisture to the bake.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Mixture: Generously sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the zucchini slices. Make sure each zucchini slice is well coated with the topping for maximum flavor and crispiness. You can gently press the topping down lightly to help it adhere to the zucchini.
- Bake to Golden Brown and Tender: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan topping is golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the zucchini slices. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the zucchini to cool slightly and the flavors to meld together. Serve hot as a side dish or light vegetarian meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired for a touch of freshness and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g