Baked Zucchini

$- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise - 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - You can swap mozzarella for any cheese you like. Cheddar or Gouda works well. - If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. - Fresh herbs add more flavor but dried herbs can work too. Use about one-third of the amount. These ingredient choices help you create a tasty dish. Each item brings its own flavor and texture. With these options, you can make the recipe fit your taste and diet. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help keep the zucchini from sticking and make cleanup easy. 2. Mix the filling ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, whole wheat breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, oregano, and lemon zest. Mix well until all the ingredients blend nicely. 1. Drizzle olive oil and season zucchini. Take your halved zucchini and drizzle olive oil over the cut sides. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This adds great flavor to the dish. 2. Spoon filling onto zucchini halves. Now, spoon the cheese and herb mixture onto each zucchini half. Press it down lightly so it sticks well. This will create a delicious topping once baked. 1. Baking time and temperature. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the zucchini for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. 2. Importance of monitoring for doneness. Keep an eye on the zucchini towards the end of baking. This will help you avoid burning the cheese topping. Enjoy the aromas that fill your kitchen as it bakes. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. - Choosing fresh zucchini: Look for zucchini that is firm and bright in color. Avoid zucchinis with blemishes or soft spots. The best zucchini has smooth skin and feels heavy for its size. Fresh zucchini makes a big difference in taste. - Ensuring proper seasoning and flavor balance: Use salt and pepper to bring out the zucchini's natural flavor. Add herbs like parsley and basil for freshness. Don't forget the lemon zest! It adds a nice bright touch to your dish. - Alternative baking methods: You can also use an air fryer for a quicker cook. It gives a nice crispy texture. Grilling zucchini adds a smoky flavor that many love. If you grill, watch for flare-ups to keep it safe. - Tips for achieving a crispy topping: To get a crunchy topping, use breadcrumbs mixed with cheese. Bake at a high temperature for a short time. You can even broil the zucchini for the last few minutes to make it extra crispy. - Serving suggestions: Serve the baked zucchini on a colorful plate to make it pop. It works well as a side dish or a tasty appetizer. Pair it with a light salad for a complete meal. - Garnishing with herbs and oils: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor. This simple touch makes your dish look gourmet and inviting. {{image_4}} You can mix cheeses to change the flavor. Try using goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a creamy texture and tangy taste. You could also use cream cheese. This will give your dish a rich and smooth texture. Spices and toppings can elevate your baked zucchini. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Nuts can give a great crunch. You can also add fresh vegetables. Chopped tomatoes or bell peppers make a colorful and tasty addition. If you want a vegan option, try plant-based cheese. There are many good brands available. You can also skip the cheese. For low-carb diets, use zucchini noodles instead of the zucchini halves. This keeps the dish tasty and healthy. Feel free to explore these variations to make your baked zucchini even more delightful! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your baked zucchini fresh, cool it to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you have a few options. The best way to reheat baked zucchini is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, checking often to avoid sogginess. Freezing baked zucchini is simple. Allow it to cool fully. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped zucchini in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy your cheesy herb baked zucchini any time! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can tell baked zucchini is done when it is soft and tender. The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown. You might also see some slight caramelization around the edges. A fork should easily slide through the zucchini. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to avoid burning. Yes, you can use many other veggies. Eggplant works great and gives a nice flavor. Bell peppers can add color and sweetness. You might even try mushrooms for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as different vegetables will bake at different rates. To spice up your baked zucchini, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack. Mixing in some diced jalapeños can add heat, too. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Get creative and adjust the spice to your taste! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini! Baked zucchini is a versatile dish that lets you be creative in the kitchen. We covered the ingredients, from fresh zucchini to tasty cheeses. Each step, from prepping to baking, is easy. You can try handy tips for perfect baking and even make substitutions. Explore fun variations to match your taste and dietary needs. With proper storage, your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy this tasty treat in many ways, and share it with friends!$

Savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Herb Baked Zucchini with this easy recipe that brings out the flavors of fresh herbs and gooey cheese! This quick dish requires just 10 minutes of prep and is perfect as a side or appetizer. Simply combine cheeses, herbs, and zucchini for a mouthwatering treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this delightful, healthy dish! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise

1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, oregano, and lemon zest. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Drizzle the olive oil over the cut sides of the zucchini and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Arrange the zucchini halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the cheese and herb mixture evenly over each zucchini half, pressing down lightly to ensure it adheres.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.

Once baked, remove the zucchini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Transfer the cheesy herb baked zucchini to a vibrant serving platter. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over the top for added flavor and garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs for a pop of color. Enjoy your deliciously baked zucchini as a delightful appetizer or side dish!