Finding a good low-carb side dish that isn’t, well, boring, can feel like searching for a unicorn, right? I mean, how many salads can one person eat? That’s where this Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!
I used to HATE zucchini. I know, I know, total food crime! My grandma always tried to sneak it into everything. Boiled zucchini? No thanks! But then I discovered that roasting it with cheese? Total game-changer. This recipe is inspired by her garden (and my need for less carbs!), but trust me, it’s a million times better than anything she made back then. Haha!
This cheesy zucchini bake is so simple to throw together, even on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that zucchini from your garden (or, you know, the grocery store if you’re not a gardener like me!). Ready to get started with this easy cheesy zucchini bake? I promise, even zucchini skeptics will love it!
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Okay, seriously, why *won’t* you love it? This isn’t just another boring veggie side. It’s fast, it’s yummy, and it fits right into your low-carb lifestyle. What’s not to adore?
Quick and Easy Low-Carb Side Dish
Seriously, you can throw this together in, like, ten minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and just don’t have the energy for anything complicated!
Delicious Cheesy Flavor
Cheese makes everything better, right? The cheddar and Parmesan combo is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s savory, melty, and totally satisfying.
Perfect Low-Carb Option
Trying to keep things low-carb? This is your new go-to. You get all the flavor without all the guilt. Yay!
Ingredients for Your Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This cheesy zucchini bake needs just a few simple things, so it’s super easy to get prepped. Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini
Grab 2 medium zucchinis, and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Not too thick, not too thin, ya know?
Cheeses
We’re going cheesy! Get 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The combo is AMAZING!
Olive Oil and Garlic
You’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 clove of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic, it adds so much flavor!
Seasonings
For seasonings, you’ll need 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, plus salt and pepper to taste. Simple, but perfect!
How to Make Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get baking! This Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time!
Preparing the Zucchini
First things first, we gotta get that zucchini ready. Slicing and seasoning is key!
Preheat the Oven
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Why? Because a hot oven ensures the zucchini cooks evenly and the cheese gets all melty and golden brown. Nobody wants soggy zucchini!
Season the Zucchini
In a bowl, toss those zucchini slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, that minced clove of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Get in there with your hands and make sure everything is nicely coated. This is where the magic starts!
Baking the Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Now for the fun part! Let’s get this cheesy zucchini bake into the oven.
Arrange and Top
Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Don’t overcrowd them! You want them to bake, not steam. Then, sprinkle that 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Mmm, cheese!
Baking Time
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it! Every oven is different, ya know? You’re looking for that “I want to eat that right now” look.
Serving Your Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Let it cool slightly before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, a few minutes of cooling makes all the difference. Plus, you won’t burn your tongue! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Want to make sure your Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is totally perfect? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Seriously, this is key! Make sure you arrange the zucchini in a single layer in your baking dish. If they’re all piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of bake, and you’ll end up with soggy zucchini. Nobody wants that!
Cheese Variations for Your Zucchini Bake
Cheddar and Parmesan are my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Mozzarella would be super melty and delicious, or provolone for a slightly sharper flavor. Get creative!
Seasoning Adjustments for Your Zucchini Bake
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini before baking. It gives it just the right amount of heat! You could also try adding some Italian seasoning for even more flavor. Yum!
Serving Suggestions for Your Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake… what do you serve it with? Here are a couple ideas to get you started!
Main Course Pairings
This zucchini bake is seriously awesome with grilled chicken, fish, or even a juicy steak. It’s the perfect way to add some veggies to your meal without any extra fuss!
Other Side Dish Ideas
Keep it simple! A fresh, crisp salad pairs perfectly with the cheesy zucchini bake. It’s light, refreshing, and balances out the richness of the cheese. Easy peasy!
Storing Leftover Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Made too much? No problem! This Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is just as yummy the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
How to Store
Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stick it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or zap it in the microwave for a minute or two. Just watch it so it doesn’t get too soggy, okay?
Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake: FAQs
Got questions about this Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked.
Can I use different vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! While this recipe is all about the zucchini, you can totally mix things up. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or even some spinach would be delicious additions. Just keep in mind that different veggies might affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on things! I love adding mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yep! This Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is definitely keto-friendly. With just a few carbs from the zucchini and cheese, it’s a great way to enjoy a cheesy side dish without blowing your macros. Just double-check your cheese labels to be extra sure!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! You can slice and season the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just arrange it in the dish, top with cheese, and pop it in the oven. Easy peasy! I wouldn’t fully bake it and then reheat it though, it can get a little soggy that way.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Low- Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Okay, so what are we talking for nutrition? Just a heads up, this is an estimate, but each serving’s around: Calories: 150, Fat: 12g, Protein: 7g, Carbs: 6g. Not bad, right?
Rate This Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake Recipe
Loved this Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake? Let me know! Rate the recipe below and leave a comment – I’d love to hear what you think!
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Low-Carb Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake: Delicious in 25
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Enjoy this simple and cheesy zucchini bake. It is a delicious and low-carb side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange zucchini in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over zucchini.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg