🥒 Cheesy Tomato Baked Zucchini
An easy, colorful veggie dish that works as a side dish or a light addition to a balanced meal. Tender zucchini is seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, topped with juicy tomato and melted cheese, then baked until beautifully golden. 🧀🍅
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- ½–¾ cup shredded cheese of your choice
- Fresh basil, optional
- Red pepper flakes, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper. - Prepare the zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice lengthwise into halves or cut into thick rounds, depending on your preference. - Season
Arrange the zucchini in a single layer. Brush lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. - Add the toppings
Place a thin slice of tomato on each zucchini piece. Sprinkle generously with your chosen cheese. - Bake
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.
For a more golden top, switch to broil/grill for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Garnish & serve
Finish with fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve warm. 🌿
🌟 Easy Variations
- Mushroom: Use large portobello mushroom caps instead of zucchini.
- Eggplant: Substitute thick eggplant slices.
- Mediterranean: Try feta, olives, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
- Pizza-style: Add pizza sauce, mozzarella, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Creamy: Add a small spoonful of Alfredo sauce before the cheese.
- Protein-packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, beans, or another protein you enjoy.
- Smoky: Add cooked bacon pieces or smoked cheese.
- Tex-Mex: Add taco-seasoned cooked meat, jalapeño, and Monterey Jack.
Cheese ideas: feta, Parmesan, Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
❤️ Enjoy! If you love getting new recipe ideas, comment “MORE” below so I know to keep sharing!
