Easy Loaded Zucchini Bake Recipe for Cheesy Comfort
This Easy Loaded Zucchini Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Featuring tender zucchini, fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines fresh vegetables with rich, savory ingredients for a delightful, wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium-sized zucchini, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
Protein and Dairy
- 4–6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 block (about 8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, melted
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the zucchini mixture evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and crumbled cooked bacon. Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to season the mix thoroughly.
- Add Oils and Toss: Drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over the mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the fats and seasonings.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the vegetable and bacon mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Generously top the mixture with shredded sharp cheddar cheese followed by grated parmesan cheese to create a rich cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the dish set slightly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before baking.
- Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of butter to decrease fat content.
- Ensure zucchini slices are not too thick, about 1/4 inch, for even cooking.
- Letting the bake cool slightly makes it easier to cut and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: zucchini bake, cheesy zucchini casserole, baked zucchini with cheese, loaded zucchini recipe, easy vegetable casserole, zucchini comfort food
