Description
A delicious and easy Parmesan Tomato Zucchini Bake featuring layers of thinly sliced zucchini and ripe tomatoes, topped with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, garlic herb oil, and optional breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy finish. This baked casserole is a comforting and savory vegetarian dish perfect as a side or light main.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Layer Zucchini: Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini in a single even layer in the greased baking dish.
- Layer Tomatoes: Place the thinly sliced tomato slices evenly over the layer of zucchini.
- Make Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to create a fragrant oil mixture.
- Drizzle Oil: Evenly drizzle the garlic and herb oil mixture over the tomato layer to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the vegetables.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top to add a crispy texture to the bake.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor and juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs add a crunchy topping but can be omitted for a softer casserole.
- You can add fresh basil alongside parsley for extra herbal notes.
- This dish can be served as a side or vegetarian main course.
- To make it gluten-free, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
