When you crave something cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor — yet surprisingly healthy — Baked Zucchini Cheese is your answer. This simple dish brings the best of both worlds: creamy melted cheese and tender zucchini baked to perfection in a golden crust. Whether you’re trying to use up a garden harvest, add more veggies to your meals, or find a delicious low-carb side dish, this easy recipe checks every box.

Zucchini might seem humble, but when combined with the right blend of cheese, garlic, and herbs, it transforms into a bubbling, irresistible casserole that everyone will love — even the kids.

In this FoodieMoms favorite, we’ll explore how to make this dish perfectly every time, how to customize it to your taste, and why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Zucchini Cheese

Simple ingredients – All pantry staples you probably already have.
Quick prep – Just slice, mix, bake, and enjoy.
Healthy and satisfying – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and calcium.
Versatile – Serve it as a main dish, side, or even breakfast casserole.
Crowd-pleasing – Even picky eaters won’t resist melted cheese over veggies.

It’s a wholesome comfort food that makes you feel good while still tasting indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano and basil)
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis (about ⅛-inch thick). Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture — this step helps prevent sogginess.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Reserve about ½ cup of this cheese mixture for the topping.
Mix the Base:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, garlic, olive oil, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the zucchini slices until evenly coated.
Layer the Dish:
Spread half of the zucchini mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of the cheese blend over it. Add the remaining zucchini mixture on top, and finish with the reserved cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright finish.

Baked Zucchini Cheese

A golden, cheesy zucchini bake that’s deliciously comforting, healthy, and perfect as a side or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis thinly sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
0.5 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking dish
Oven
Grater

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
Slice zucchinis thinly and pat dry to remove moisture.
In a large bowl, mix cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, garlic, breadcrumbs, and spices. Add zucchini and mix well.
Layer half of the zucchini mixture in the dish, top with cheese, then repeat.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispness, broil the top for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Baked Zucchini Cheese

Dry the zucchini well. Zucchini has high water content — blotting with a paper towel or lightly salting and draining helps avoid a watery bake.
Use a cheese blend. Combining mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for depth, and cheddar for tang creates a perfect trio of flavor.
Add protein. Toss in cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon bits for a more filling meal.
Go gluten-free. Substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breadcrumbs.
Spice it up. Add jalapeños or chili flakes if you love heat.

Variations You’ll Love

Zucchini & Ricotta Bake:
Add a layer of creamy ricotta between the zucchini for a lasagna-like texture.
Mediterranean Twist:
Mix in crumbled feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a bright, tangy flavor.
Tex-Mex Style:
Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add corn and black beans, and top with cilantro and lime juice.
Keto Zucchini Cheese Casserole:
Skip breadcrumbs entirely, and use extra eggs and cheese to bind the layers.

Serving Suggestions

As a side: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roast beef.
As a main: Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
For breakfast: Reheat leftovers with a fried egg on top — delicious!
For meal prep: Slice into squares and store in airtight containers for easy weekday lunches.

This dish keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.

Fun Fact: Why Zucchini Works So Well in Casseroles

Zucchini’s mild flavor and moisture content make it ideal for baked dishes. It absorbs surrounding flavors like garlic, cheese, and herbs, creating a soft yet flavorful bite. Plus, it’s low in calories, rich in potassium, and full of antioxidants. That means you can enjoy your cheesy comfort dish without any guilt!

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

To make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
To freeze: Bake fully, let cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Why This Recipe Is a FoodieMoms Favorite

At FoodieMoms, we love recipes that balance simplicity and satisfaction. Baked Zucchini Cheese is one of those dishes that instantly wins hearts — it’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and always delivers comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck side dish, or a way to sneak more veggies into your family’s meals, this bake does it all.

Warm, gooey, and golden — this is your new go-to cheesy vegetable dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 45–60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Avoid sogginess: Place a paper towel under the slice when microwaving to absorb extra moisture.

Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: ~220
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g

Low in carbs and high in nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy cheesy comfort food.

In summary, Baked Zucchini Cheese is the ultimate comfort-meets-nutrition recipe — proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Baked Zucchini Cheese: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Dish for Every Season