Baked Zucchini and Cheese

There’s something utterly irresistible about tender zucchini rounds transformed into a crispy, cheesy delight that shines on any table. This Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe brings together garden-fresh zucchini, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, 25 minutes in the oven, and a short 5-minute rest before serving, you’ll have a vibrant dish that’s ready to star as an appetizer, side, or even a light lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a kitchen novice tackling your first vegetarian dish or a seasoned home cook looking for a quick comfort recipe, this beginner-friendly creation fits the bill. At around 250 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that still feels like a treat on the plate.

I still remember the first time I popped these zucchini slices into the oven—my kitchen filled with the sound of bubbling cheese and the scent of oregano meeting olive oil. The breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully, creating a satisfyingly crunchy coating that contrasts with the tender zucchini inside. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the mild sweetness of the squash to the sharp nuttiness of Parmesan. If you love comfort food that also nourishes your body, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave something that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Grab a glass of crisp white wine or your favorite iced tea, because these golden rounds practically beg to be shared—and they vanish fast!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE

Before diving into the fun of baking, let’s gather the stars of this show. Each ingredient plays an important role: from the zucchini that adds a fresh, light base, to the cheeses and breadcrumbs that deliver satisfyingly crispy, melty bites. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Zucchini

Provides a mild, tender canvas for the crunchy coating and melty cheese. When sliced into rounds, it offers the perfect bite-sized pieces that crisp up beautifully in the oven.

• Mozzarella Cheese

Delivers that irresistible stretch and creaminess. Mozzarella melts smoothly over each zucchini slice, helping the breadcrumbs adhere and creating a gooey texture.

• Parmesan Cheese

Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste profile. Its fine texture also contributes to the crunchy topping once baked.

• Breadcrumbs

The secret to extra crunch! They form a golden crust that locks in moisture and gives each slice a satisfying bite.

• Olive Oil

Coats the zucchini and spices, promoting even baking and helping the breadcrumbs brown.

• Garlic Powder

Infuses a savory, aromatic depth that elevates the dish without the need for fresh garlic.

• Dried Oregano

Introduces a warm, herbal note that complements the zucchini’s mild flavor.

• Salt

Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness of the cheeses.

• Black Pepper

Provides a gentle kick to wake up your taste buds.

• Fresh Parsley (optional)

A bright garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to every plate.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE

Let’s walk through the simple steps that transform humble zucchini slices into a mouthwatering, golden-brown treat. You’ll learn how to prep, coat, and bake your way to zucchini bliss.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fragrant.

3. Add the zucchini rounds to the spiced oil mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick and infuses the zucchini with flavor.

4. In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Stir until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs.

5. Working one slice at a time, dip each zucchini round into the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres completely around the edges.

6. Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for optimal crisping.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and let the slices cool for a few minutes on the pan. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE

After that delicious bake, you’ll want to present your zucchini rounds in ways that highlight their crunchy, cheesy glory. These serving ideas will turn a simple dish into an occasion—whether you’re feeding hungry family members or entertaining friends.

• Serve on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves for a vibrant, colorful display. The greens provide a crisp contrast and make it easy for guests to pick up a slice.
• Offer a trio of dipping sauces—such as marinara, garlic aioli, and spicy sriracha mayo—arranged in small bowls alongside the zucchini. This lets everyone customize their flavor experience.
• Pair with a crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or a light beer to cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the herbal notes of oregano.
• Arrange on individual salad plates atop a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber ribbons. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing light meal.

HOW TO STORE BAKED ZUCCHINI AND CHEESE

Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, proper storage will keep your zucchini rounds crisp and flavorful. Follow these tips to maintain that golden crunch and cheesy goodness:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature. This prevents moisture from softening the crust. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freeze single layers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For short-term storage, wrap individual slices in paper towels and place them in a shallow container. The towels absorb excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp.
• If you prefer a make-ahead approach, assemble and coat the zucchini up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. When guests arrive, simply bake and serve hot.

CONCLUSION

This Baked Zucchini and Cheese recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and a touch of indulgence all in one golden bite. By using fresh zucchini, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, you create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from a casual weeknight dinner to an impressive appetizer for gatherings. The beginner-friendly steps and quick prep mean you can have a warm, comforting plate on the table in under an hour, clocking in at just 250 calories per serving. Don’t forget that you can print this article and save it for later use, so it’s always at your fingertips when zucchini season arrives or when you crave a cheesy, crispy snack. Below, you’ll also find a FAQ section to answer common questions and tips, making sure you feel confident every time you bake.

If you decide to try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to leave comments, questions, or feedback below—whether you’re curious about ingredient swaps, need help perfecting your breadcrumb coating, or want suggestions for pairings. Your kitchen adventures inspire me, and I’m always here to help you make the tastiest, cheesiest zucchini rounds ever. Enjoy the simplicity, savor each bite, and happy baking!

Print Recipe

Baked Zucchini and Cheese

Author: Marcus Stone Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 250

Description

Experience the mouthwatering blend of tender zucchini, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a feast for the senses!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the zucchini slices to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
4. In another bowl, mix together the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each zucchini slice into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
6. Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Note

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Try adding some chopped fresh basil along with the parsley for extra flavor.
• This recipe can also be adapted using eggplant or yellow squash.
• Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a light meal on its own.

Keywords: baked zucchini, cheese recipe, vegetarian dish, healthy appetizer, easy recipe, comfort food