Zucchini Bake with Tomatoes, Garlic, and Parmesan
Healthy Zucchini Bake with tomatoes, dried herbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Serve as a side zucchini tomato casserole or add cooked chicken for a quick complete low carb dinner.
Healthy Zucchini Bake with tomatoes, dried herbs, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Serve as a side zucchini tomato casserole or add cooked chicken for a quick complete low carb dinner.
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- cooking spray (i use misto)
- 2 large or 2.5 lbs zucchini cut into quarters
- 10 oz grape tomatoes cut in halves or 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 7 garlic cloves crushed
- 1/3 cup parsley or basil finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil oregano or organic italian seasoning
- Carbohydrate 3.28379050930777 g
- Cholesterol 1.83333333566935 mg
- Fat 0.718660077759471 g
- Fiber 0.73632381452565 g
- Protein 1.47648300648761 g
- Saturated Fat 0.3788589445726 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (53g)
- Sodium 34.9319602989217 mg
- Sugar 2.54746669478212 g
- Trans Fat 0.0709392057100801 g
- Calories 23 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 8 x 8 or 9 x 11 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients, except parsley/basil, and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes for crunchy zucchini or 35 minutes if you like well cooked vegetables. I recommend checking for doneness with a fork or knife after 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot/warm.
A Simple Yet Satisfying Zucchini Bake: My Go-To Side Dish (and Sometimes, a Complete Meal!)
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That's why this zucchini bake has become a staple in our household. It's incredibly versatile – sometimes a simple, flavorful side dish, and other times, a satisfying main course with the addition of some grilled chicken or fish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are needed. Just fresh, wholesome produce, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a touch of herbs. The result is a dish that’s both light and satisfying. The zucchini, baked to perfection, offers a delightful tender-crisp texture, while the tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness. The garlic and herbs contribute a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
I often find myself making this bake on a Sunday afternoon, prepping it ahead of time for busy weeknights. It's wonderfully adaptable to whatever fresh herbs I have on hand – basil, oregano, or even a blend of Italian herbs all work beautifully. I also love to experiment with different cheeses. Sometimes I swap out some of the Parmesan for feta, which gives it a slightly tangier, briny flavor.
The best part? This dish is incredibly forgiving. If you don't have exactly the amount of zucchini or tomatoes specified in the recipe, don't worry. Just adjust the quantities accordingly. The flavors always come together beautifully. It’s the perfect recipe for a beginner cook, or anyone who appreciates a straightforward, healthy, and delicious meal.
Beyond its practicality, this zucchini bake has a certain comforting quality. The aroma of baking zucchini and herbs fills the kitchen with a warmth that immediately puts you at ease. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of home and family. For me, it's more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to simpler times and a reminder to appreciate the everyday joys of cooking and sharing a meal together. It's a dish I'll continue to make for years to come, passing the simple recipe down to my children.
This zucchini bake isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a dish that nourishes both body and soul, a reminder that even the busiest days can still hold space for delicious, healthy food.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress, even the pickiest eaters in your household! So, grab your ingredients, and let the deliciousness begin!
