Irresistible Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Just 6 Ingredients

Okay, zucchini season, right? It’s like, suddenly you’ve got more zucchini than you know what to DO with! Everyone’s giving it away. So, we need easy recipes, stat! And trust me, this cheesy baked zucchini is a lifesaver. It’s seriously the easiest way to use up some of that green goodness.

My family? They’re all about the cheese. I swear, I could put cheese on cardboard and they’d eat it. So, this recipe is always a hit. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, even my pickiest eater will gobble down zucchini when it’s all melty and cheesy like this. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there (more cheese is always better, right?), and I’m so excited to finally share my go-to cheesy baked zucchini recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Zucchini

• It’s SO quick to make! Seriously, we’re talking minimal prep time.
• Super easy – even the kids can help!
• Flavorful? Oh yeah! Cheesy, garlicky goodness.
• It’s vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy it.
• Totally family-friendly. Even picky eaters will love it!

Quick and Easy Side Dish

Seriously, if you need a side dish in a hurry, this is it! I can whip this up in like, 10 minutes flat. Then, just pop it in the oven and forget about it until it’s bubbly and golden. Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this!

A Delicious Way to Eat Your Vegetables

Let’s be real, sometimes getting those veggies in can be a struggle. But this cheesy baked zucchini? It’s a game-changer! The cheese and garlic just make the zucchini taste amazing. I promise, even veggie haters will be coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need 2 medium zucchini, sliced about 1/4 inch thick – not too thin, not too chunky. Then, grab 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, packed! We want cheesy goodness, right? You’ll also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and of course, salt and pepper to taste!

How to Make Cheesy Baked Zucchini: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens. I’m going to walk you through each step, so don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow along, and you’ll have cheesy, delicious zucchini in no time!

Preparing Your Cheesy Baked Zucchini

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t skip this step! It’s important to have that oven nice and hot. While that’s heating up, grease a baking dish. I usually use a little olive oil or cooking spray. Then, arrange your zucchini slices in the dish. I like to overlap them slightly, but don’t overcrowd the pan!

Adding Flavor to Your Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Now for the good stuff! Drizzle those zucchini slices with olive oil – about 2 tablespoons should do it. Then, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the garlic powder, it adds so much flavor! And remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later, so start with a little and adjust to your taste. I usually give it a generous sprinkle!

Baking Your Cheesy Baked Zucchini to Perfection

Okay, almost there! In a small bowl, combine your cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix it all up until it’s nicely combined. Then, sprinkle that cheesy mixture evenly over your zucchini. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. My favorite part is when the cheese gets all bubbly and slightly browned – yum! Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving. Careful, it’s hot!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Want to make sure your cheesy baked zucchini is *amazing*? Here are a few of my top tips! First, don’t overcrowd the pan! Give those zucchini slices some room to breathe. Trust me, they’ll cook more evenly. Also, fresh zucchini is always best – it just tastes better! And for an extra-golden, bubbly topping? Broil it for the last minute or two. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Cheesy Baked Zucchini Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic cheesy baked zucchini, and it’s a hit! Now what? Let’s mix it up! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative. You can change up the cheeses, add different herbs and spices, or even throw in some extra veggies. The possibilities are endless!

Experiment with Different Cheeses

Cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but why stop there? Try using mozzarella for a super melty, gooey topping. Provolone is another great choice – it has a lovely, slightly tangy flavor. And if you’re feeling a little spicy, pepper jack is always a winner! Seriously, any cheese that melts well will work here.

Add Your Favorite Herbs and Spices

Want to kick up the flavor even more? Add some herbs and spices! Italian seasoning is a great all-purpose option. Red pepper flakes will give it a little heat. And fresh basil? Oh my goodness, it’s amazing! Just sprinkle some on top after it comes out of the oven. So fresh, so flavorful!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Okay, so you’ve got your cheesy baked zucchini all ready to go. Now what do you serve it with? Well, it goes with just about anything! I love it with grilled chicken or fish – it makes a super easy and healthy meal. Or, you can serve it alongside some pasta for a comforting vegetarian dinner. Seriously, it’s a winner!

Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually just zap it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it’ll get mushy!

FAQ About Making Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Got questions about this cheesy baked zucchini recipe? I got you covered! I’ve answered a few of the most common questions I get asked, so you can be sure you’ll make the perfect batch every time!

Can I use frozen zucchini?

Okay, so technically, *yes*, you *can* use frozen zucchini. But honestly? Fresh is best! Frozen zucchini tends to be a bit watery. If you *have* to use it, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before using it. Otherwise, your cheesy baked zucchini might end up a little soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! You can totally prep this cheesy baked zucchini ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge and bake as directed. Easy peasy! I wouldn’t assemble it *too* far in advance, though – a day or two max.

What other vegetables can I add?

Oh, so many things! Sliced onions are always a great addition. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and color. Bell peppers? Yum! Just toss them in with the zucchini before baking. Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand! Just remember that some veggies may need a little longer to cook, so keep an eye on them.

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Okay, so you’re wondering about the nutrition, right? Here’s the lowdown! One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) has roughly 250 calories, 18g of fat, 10g of protein, and 12g of carbs. But remember, these are just estimates! It can vary based on the exact ingredients you use.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Alright, go enjoy that cheesy, delicious zucchini! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment and let me know! Share a picture, too – I’d love to see it!

Print