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I still remember the first time I made this zucchini recipe. It was a warm summer afternoon, and my grandmother was visiting. She always had a way of turning simple ingredients into magic, and that day, she handed me a few fresh zucchinis from her garden with a knowing smile.
“Make something delicious,” she said, as if she already knew I would.
At the time, I wasn’t sure what to do. I had eaten zucchini in many ways—grilled, sautéed, in pasta—but I wanted something different. Something comforting, yet packed with flavor. I started experimenting, adding a little of this and a little of that until the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of baked cheese and golden zucchini.
When I pulled the dish out of the oven, I knew I had created something special. The crust was perfectly crisp, the inside soft and cheesy, and every bite was a blend of textures and flavors that made you crave more. My grandmother took one bite, nodded approvingly, and simply said, “Now, this is how you cook with love.”
Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. Whether for a casual family dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a quick snack, it never fails to impress. If you have zucchini, you must try this recipe—it might just become a favorite in your home too.
Why This Zucchini Recipe Stands Out
With so many ways to cook zucchini, you might wonder what makes this dish different. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:
A Perfect Balance of Texture
One of the biggest challenges when cooking zucchini is its water content. Too much moisture, and you end up with a soggy dish. Too little, and it can be dry and flavorless. This recipe finds the perfect middle ground by incorporating grated potato and baking it to golden perfection. The result? A crispy, cheesy crust with a soft, flavorful interior.
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
This dish doesn’t rely on complex seasonings or hard-to-find ingredients. It takes humble staples—zucchini, potatoes, eggs, cheese—and turns them into something extraordinary. The natural sweetness of zucchini pairs beautifully with the saltiness of Parmesan, while fresh cheese adds a creamy depth.
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A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
Whether served as a main dish, a side, or even an appetizer, this recipe fits any occasion. It’s satisfying enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
A Nutrient-Packed Dish
Zucchini is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. The addition of eggs and cheese provides protein and calcium, making this dish both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Courgettes (zucchini), grated | 2 |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
Eggs | 4 |
Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Milk | 100 ml (about 1/2 cup) |
Extra virgin olive oil | 60 ml (about 1/4 cup) |
Flour | 120 g (about 1 cup) |
Baking powder | 11 g (about 1 tablespoon) |
Potato, grated | 1 medium |
Onion, chopped | 1 small |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 30 g (about 1/4 cup) |
Spreadable fresh cheese | 50 g (about 1/4 cup) |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 50 g (about 1/2 cup) |
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Grate the zucchini and potato. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture.
- Chop the onion finely.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar, milk, and 60 ml of olive oil until well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Everything
- Fold in the grated zucchini, potato, and chopped onion.
- Add Parmesan cheese and spreadable fresh cheese. Season with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~250 kcal |
Protein | ~10 g |
Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
Fats | ~14 g |
Fiber | ~2 g |
Calcium | ~150 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely. While Parmesan and fresh spreadable cheese bring a delicious balance of sharpness and creaminess, you can experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella will give you a gooey texture, feta will add a tangy twist, and cheddar will introduce a richer, bolder flavor.
How Do I Prevent the Zucchini from Making the Dish Too Watery?
Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s important to remove excess moisture before using it. After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step ensures a firmer, more flavorful texture in the final dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Almond flour can also work, though it may slightly change the texture.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This zucchini bake is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, it goes well with grilled chicken or fish.
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Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better the next day. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, bake it in advance, let it cool, and reheat it in the oven when needed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or hosting guests.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Once baked, let it cool completely, then slice it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely. While zucchini is the star, you can customize the dish by adding finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of their water content—sautéing certain vegetables beforehand can help prevent excess moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a pan over low heat to maintain its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dish soggy.
Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To
There are some recipes you make once and forget about. Then there are those that become part of your kitchen traditions—passed down, perfected, and made with love. This zucchini dish is one of those recipes.
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It’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s healthy yet indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether for a quick weekday dinner or a special gathering.
So, if you have zucchini in your kitchen, don’t let it go to waste. Try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and create your own tradition. Because sometimes, the most delicious meals come from the simplest ingredients—just like my grandmother taught me.
PrintIf You Have Zucchini, You Must Try This! The Most Delicious Recipe Ever
This Cheesy Zucchini & Potato Bake is a delicious, savory dish that perfectly balances crispy edges with a soft, cheesy interior. Packed with fresh zucchini, grated potato, Parmesan, and creamy spreadable cheese, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s both nutritious and comforting. Serve it as a side, snack, or even a light main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 courgettes (zucchini), grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100 ml milk (about 1/2 cup)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (about 1/4 cup)
- 120 g flour (about 1 cup)
- 11 g baking powder (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium potato, grated
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
- 50 g spreadable fresh cheese (about 1/4 cup)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
-
Prep the Vegetables
- Grate the zucchini and potato, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Finely chop the onion.
-
Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, and olive oil.
- Slowly add the flour and baking powder, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
-
Combine Everything
- Stir in the grated zucchini, potato, and chopped onion.
- Fold in the Parmesan cheese and spreadable fresh cheese. Season with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
-
Bake the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
-
Serve & Enjoy
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy its cheesy, crispy goodness.
Notes
- Zucchini Tip: Removing excess moisture is crucial for the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step.
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella for a gooier texture or feta for a tangy twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer shelf life.