If you love a snack that’s as invitingly cheesy as it is veggie-packed, Baked Zucchini Cheese is about to become your new go-to recipe. Tender shreds of zucchini get bundled with cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of aromatic herbs before baking into irresistible golden squares. Whether you serve these savory treats as an appetizer, a crowd-pleasing side, or a cheeky midnight snack, Baked Zucchini Cheese manages to be both hearty and light. Plus, this clever dish is the ultimate answer to a garden full of zucchini, making every bite as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates simple, familiar ingredients—each handpicked for flavor, texture, and that signature cheesy goodness. You’ll find everything easy to source, and every component really pulls its weight in the final dish.
- Zucchini: Shredded and well-drained, zucchini creates a tender bite and helps bind everything together.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the moisture from the zucchini and seasoning the mixture perfectly.
- Eggs: These act as the glue, holding the batter together and giving the squares their satisfying structure.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into creamy richness while infusing the squares with bold, tangy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps achieve that crave-able golden crust.
- Garlic Powder: Lends savory aroma and subtle flavor, enhancing the cheesy goodness.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor profile, offering a gentle, sweet sharpness.
- Black Pepper: Brings a hint of warmth and complexity to the mix.
- Dried Thyme: Introduces a touch of earthy, herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with zucchini.
- All-Purpose Flour or Almond Flour: A small amount sets the texture; try almond flour if you want a low-carb option.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: For greasing the baking dish, so every square lifts free with no fuss.
How to Make Baked Zucchini Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by shredding your zucchini—no need to peel it, as the skin adds color and a gentle bite. Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt to help draw out water. Give it a good toss, then let it rest for about 10 minutes; you’ll be amazed at how much liquid accumulates during this time!
Step 2: Squeeze Out the Moisture
This step truly makes or breaks the texture of your Baked Zucchini Cheese. Wrap the salted zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze hard—keep wringing until you’ve gotten as much moisture out as possible. The drier the better, for melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy squares rather than soggy ones.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the well-drained zucchini, eggs, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and your choice of flour. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, even batter. The mix should be scoopable, holding together nicely without feeling watery.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F while you line a baking dish or square pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper with nonstick spray or a brush of olive oil—this ensures your Baked Zucchini Cheese will lift out effortlessly.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Transfer your zucchini-cheese batter into the prepared pan and spread it into a smooth, even layer. Pop it into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the center feels set when pressed. The cheesy aroma wafting through your kitchen is the real test—try to resist sneaking a taste until it’s done!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the pan cool for several minutes so the squares have time to firm up. Then, lift the parchment out and slice your Baked Zucchini Cheese into perfect squares or, for something more playful, into strips. Serve them up warm and watch them disappear in record time!
How to Serve Baked Zucchini Cheese
Garnishes
For a pop of herbal freshness, scatter chopped parsley or fresh basil over the warm squares just before serving. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika makes your Baked Zucchini Cheese look (and taste) extra vibrant.
Side Dishes
Zucchini Cheese squares are wonderfully flexible. Pair them with a crisp green salad for a light lunch, alongside soup or stew for a cozy dinner, or add them to a picnic spread with fresh fruit and dips. Their gentle flavor lets you mix and match sides, making mealtime fuss-free and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, stack the squares in a pyramid on a platter with toothpicks, or serve them in mini muffin liners for bite-sized fun. You can also cut them into fingers and present with ramekins of marinara or ranch for dipping—the ultimate Baked Zucchini Cheese snacking experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extras (good luck!), transfer cooled squares to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to three days, holding onto their flavor and most of their texture for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled Baked Zucchini Cheese squares in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment if stacking. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months, so you always have a quick cheesy fix on hand.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop refrigerated or thawed squares on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. They crisp up beautifully—perfect for restoring that melt-in-the-middle cheesy bite!
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in Baked Zucchini Cheese?
Absolutely! Try swapping in mozzarella for a stretchier texture, or experiment with a blend of your favorites. Just make sure your cheese has some sharpness or flavor to shine through the zucchini base.
How do I keep the squares from getting soggy?
The key is to really squeeze as much moisture from the shredded zucchini as possible. This prevents excess water from seeping out during baking and ensures your Baked Zucchini Cheese stays crisp and cheesy.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or another gluten-free option. The squares will still hold together and taste wonderful, making them perfect for a variety of diets.
Can I make Baked Zucchini Cheese ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bake the squares in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Briefly reheat before serving to restore their melty texture and irresistible aroma.
What’s the best way to shred zucchini?
Use the large holes of a box grater for quick, even shreds. If you’re working with a lot of zucchini, a food processor with a shredding attachment makes the job even faster and neater.
Final Thoughts
Baked Zucchini Cheese is one of those happy recipes you turn to time and again—for potlucks, quick snacks, or as a sneaky way to get more veggies on the table. Each golden, cheesy square is a little celebration of comfort and flavor. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!
Print
Baked Zucchini Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 squares
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious baked zucchini cheese squares as a flavorful and satisfying side dish or snack. Packed with zucchini, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, these savory bites are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Zucchini Mixture:
- 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or almond flour (for low-carb)
Greasing:
- nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish or a square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Prepare zucchini: Place shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, thyme, and flour. Mix well.
- Bake: Spread mixture in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cut into squares or strips to serve.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This recipe works well with mozzarella or a cheese blend.
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