Jam Scott
Golden, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, this oven baked zucchini and cheese dish brings comfort and freshness together in one irresistible pan. It’s a perfect balance of tender roasted zucchini rounds and melty cheese, finished with a hint of herbs that give it a savory lift.
Whether you’re using up garden zucchini or just need a satisfying yet light side dish, this bake fits any occasion. It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even stands alone as a vegetarian centerpiece for a weeknight dinner.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese?
Cheese is the heart of this dish. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan offers the ideal melt and flavor combo. Mozzarella creates that gooey stretch, while Parmesan lends its sharp, salty punch. You could also mix in provolone or Gruyère if you want a deeper cheesy complexity.
Ingredients for the Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
- Zucchini: The main star. Slice it into thick rounds to hold their shape and get golden edges.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Brings the stretchy, creamy melt factor that makes every bite satisfying.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty saltiness and helps the top turn golden and crisp.
- Garlic: Finely minced, it infuses the dish with deep aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (like thyme or oregano): These brighten and elevate the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the zucchini before baking; it helps them caramelize nicely.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out zucchini’s natural flavor.
How To Make the Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice into ⅓ to ½ inch rounds. Lay them on a towel and lightly salt to draw out moisture. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry.
Step 2: Toss and Layer
Place zucchini rounds in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a baking dish in overlapping layers.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the zucchini. Be generous, especially on top, to get that golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if you want extra browning.
How to Serve and Store Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
Serve this dish straight from the oven while the cheese is molten and the zucchini slices are still crisp-tender. It pairs beautifully with a grilled protein, a hearty grain bowl, or can easily hold its own with a crusty loaf of bread.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for convenience, though you might lose some of that crisp topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Can I freeze baked zucchini and cheese?
It’s not ideal as zucchini holds a lot of water and can become mushy upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
What other cheeses work well in this bake?
Try Gruyère, provolone, or sharp white cheddar for variations. Each adds its own depth and richness.
How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?
Salting and patting dry helps remove excess moisture. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just check your cheese labels to be certain.
Can I use yellow squash instead?
Absolutely. Yellow squash behaves similarly and can even be mixed with zucchini for color and variety.
Want More Vegetable Side Dish Ideas?
If this cheesy zucchini bake brightened up your dinner table, you might enjoy these other vegetable-forward favorites:
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots with a sweet-savory crunch.
- Creamy Cauliflower Au Gratin when you want a low-carb comfort option.
- Baked Sweet Potato Wedges for a touch of smoky spice.
- Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts that caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers bursting with seasoned rice and melted cheese.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board so it’s just a click away when you need a quick side.
And tell me how it turned out! Did you add breadcrumbs for crunch? Use a different cheese blend? I’d love to hear your twist or help troubleshoot in the comments!
Oven Baked Zucchini and Cheese
- Total Time: 8 minute
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Description
This golden, cheesy oven-baked zucchini dish combines tender roasted slices with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. Infused with garlic and herbs, it delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. A great way to highlight fresh zucchini and create a cozy, crowd-pleasing side.
Ingredients
3 medium zucchini, sliced into ⅓ to ½ inch rounds
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry zucchini, then slice into rounds.
- Lay slices on a towel, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- In a bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Arrange zucchini in a greased baking dish in slightly overlapping layers.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
