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Some of the best recipes are born not out of elaborate planning or expensive ingredients, but from necessity, simplicity, and a bit of curiosity. This courgette recipe—soft on the inside, golden on top, and impossibly comforting—is one of those rare dishes that surprised me the first time I made it, and continues to do so every time it hits the table.
I remember the day I stumbled across it. It was one of those slow, sun-drenched afternoons when everything in the fridge seemed uninspiring. I was visiting my mother in the countryside, and we had just come back from the local market with a few handfuls of vegetables, among them a couple of plump, shiny zucchinis. “We’ll make something,” she said casually. “Zucchini’s all you need when you know what to do with it.”
At the time, I didn’t believe her. I had always thought of courgettes (zucchinis) as a filler vegetable—good in a soup, fine in a stir-fry, but never the star of the show. But she grated them, mixed them with eggs, flour, and just a few basic ingredients, and slipped the pan into the oven. What came out was a golden, puffy, slightly crisp, and beautifully savory bake that disappeared within minutes. No leftovers. Just crumbs and compliments.
That afternoon changed how I look at zucchini forever.
Courgette Perfection: A Dish That Balances Simplicity and Depth
There’s a reason why this dish continues to win hearts: it offers everything you want from a comforting bake—light texture, satisfying flavor, and just enough richness to feel indulgent, without being heavy. It’s also ridiculously easy to throw together.
Not Just a Side Dish
This isn’t one of those recipes you serve quietly on the side. With its beautiful, golden surface and hearty interior, this courgette bake stands tall as a main event. You can serve it at brunch with a side salad, pack it into a lunchbox, or pair it with grilled proteins at dinner. It adapts to any time of day or mood.
Great Use of Garden Veggies
If you grow your own vegetables, or simply find yourself overwhelmed with seasonal zucchini, this is one of the best recipes to have on hand. It’s a smart, satisfying way to put those courgettes to good use—especially when they’ve started piling up on your kitchen counter.
Subtly Sophisticated Flavor
Despite the humble ingredients, this dish isn’t boring. Between the creamy base of eggs and milk, the starchiness of the grated potato, and the lift from baking powder, it’s delicate, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. A touch of black pepper, a splash of olive oil, and a hint of sweetness from the zucchini—it all comes together beautifully.
What Makes This Courgette Recipe So Special?
1. Accessible Ingredients
You probably already have most of what you need: zucchini, eggs, flour, milk, oil, and a few basic seasonings. That means no last-minute grocery runs, no exotic pantry items—just kitchen staples doing what they do best.
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2. Quick Prep, Minimal Cleanup
All it takes is a bit of grating, mixing, and pouring. One bowl, one dish, one oven. That’s it. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want something home-cooked without turning your kitchen upside down.
3. Kid-Friendly, Parent-Approved
It’s a clever way to get vegetables into picky eaters—especially children who might otherwise turn up their noses at anything green. The zucchini practically disappears into the batter, creating a dish that’s soft, cheesy (if you like), and impossible to resist.
4. Naturally Versatile
This dish can be whatever you want it to be. Vegetarian? It already is. Want to add a protein? Mix in crumbled feta, cooked chicken, or sautéed mushrooms. Craving a stronger flavor? Add grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Zucchini (courgettes) | 2 medium-sized |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon (divided) |
Black pepper | 1 teaspoon (divided) |
Eggs | 4 |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Vegetable oil | 60 ml (1/4 cup) |
Milk | 100 ml (1/2 cup) |
Flour | 120 g (1 cup) |
Baking powder | 11 g (2 teaspoons) |
Potato (peeled and grated) | 1 medium |
Directions
- Prep the Veggies – Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with half of the salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Grate the potato and do the same.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, and the remaining salt and pepper until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients – Sift in the flour and baking powder. Stir until a thick batter forms.
- Combine with Veggies – Fold in the grated zucchini and potato into the batter. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Heat and Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake to Perfection – Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool and Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with yogurt, sour cream, or a side salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 210–240 kcal |
Protein | 7–9 g |
Carbohydrates | 18–22 g |
Fats | 12–14 g |
Fiber | 2–3 g |
Sodium | Moderate (depends on added salt) |
Ideas to Make It Your Own
While the original recipe is perfect as-is, here are a few ways to shake it up:
- Add Fresh Herbs – Dill, parsley, or chives can bring a pop of freshness.
- Cheese It Up – Feta, mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan will make the bake richer and more filling.
- Go Mediterranean – Add olives, crumbled feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Make It Spicy – Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a teaspoon of harissa paste.
- Sweeten It Slightly – A very small amount of sugar or honey enhances the natural sweetness of zucchini without making it dessert-like.
Serving Suggestions
This courgette bake is excellent warm or at room temperature. Here are some pairing ideas to suit different occasions:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with poached eggs and avocado on the side.
- For Lunch: Add a fresh tomato and cucumber salad with a yogurt-based dressing.
- For Dinner: Pair with grilled chicken or salmon and a crisp glass of white wine.
- As a Snack: Cut into squares and dip into tzatziki or garlic aioli.
This dish also travels well, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Forgetting to Drain the Zucchini
Zucchini contains a surprising amount of water. If you skip the step of squeezing out the grated zucchini, your bake can end up soggy and undercooked in the middle. A clean towel or cheesecloth works best—just squeeze until no more water drips out.
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2. Using Too Much Flour
Adding too much flour makes the bake dense and heavy. Stick to the recommended amount unless you’re significantly increasing the moisture with extra vegetables or cheese.
3. Overbaking or Underbaking
Keep a close eye on the oven. You want the top golden and a toothpick to come out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Overbaking dries it out; underbaking leaves the center gummy.
4. Not Letting It Rest
Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture settle and makes it easier to cut clean pieces.
FAQs About This Courgette Bake
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the dish in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes. Let the bake cool completely, slice it into portions, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is It Gluten-Free?
Not by default, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version. Just note that texture might vary slightly.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based milk and skip any optional cheese. The flavor will still be delicious.
Can I Add Meat or Fish?
Yes, you can stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, smoked salmon, or even tuna. Just be mindful not to overfill the batter.
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What Kind of Potato Works Best?
A starchy potato like Russet or Yukon Gold works best for this recipe, helping bind the batter and giving structure.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe That Transforms Simplicity into Something Special
This courgette bake isn’t just another vegetable dish—it’s a reminder that flavor doesn’t come from complexity, but from care. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity, adapts to your lifestyle, and always hits the spot.
In our fast-paced world, where recipes often call for long ingredient lists and complicated techniques, this one invites us to slow down. To appreciate the beauty of basic ingredients. To remember that even the simplest meals can tell stories, evoke memories, and bring people together.
Whether you’re looking to use up extra zucchini, feed your family something nourishing, or just surprise yourself with how good a “vegetable bake” can be—this recipe is for you. Try it once, and you’ll know what I mean when I say, I’ve never eaten anything so delicious.
PrintIf You Have Courgettes, You Have to Try This! I’ve Never Tasted Anything So Delicious
If you have courgettes, you absolutely need to make this! This savory, fluffy courgette and potato bake is a perfect combination of crisp edges, soft interior, and rich, comforting flavor. With just a handful of basic ingredients, this dish transforms everyday vegetables into something truly special—ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized zucchini (courgettes), grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 11 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 1 medium potato, peeled and grated
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with half the salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Grate the potato and do the same—removing as much water as possible.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, remaining salt and pepper.
- Add in the flour and baking powder, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the grated zucchini and potato, mixing until evenly combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or ovenproof skillet with olive oil.
- Pour the batter into the dish and drizzle the top with remaining olive oil.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Squeezing out the moisture from the zucchini and potato is key to avoid a soggy bake.
- You can customize the recipe by adding herbs (like parsley or dill), cheese (like feta or parmesan), or spices (like paprika or garlic powder).
- This dish is great served with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a fresh green salad.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Also freezer-friendly!