If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that secretly packs in veggies, look no further than Cheesy Baked Zucchini. This dish brings together ribbons of zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a layer of gooey, golden cheese that bubbles up in the oven—making it irresistibly inviting for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With its mix of textures and flavors, you’ll find Cheesy Baked Zucchini quickly becomes a reliable favorite, just as welcome as a main event as it is alongside your favorite protein or pasta.

Cheesy Baked Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Baked Zucchini lies in its simplicity—every ingredient has a role in creating that perfectly cheesy, melty bite. Each item not only adds to the final flavor, but also brings pops of color and just the right amount of crunch or creaminess you’ll crave in every mouthful.

3 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼” rounds: The mild, tender base; slice evenly so they cook perfectly and soak up all the cheesy goodness.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness that cut through the richness of the cheese, adding color and freshness.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The golden, stretchy star—opt for whole milk mozzarella for the dreamiest melt.
¼ cup grated parmesan: A salty, nutty kick; don’t skip it for that magic umami layer.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory complexity—a little garlic goes a long way to boost veggie flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully while lending supple richness.
½ tsp dried oregano: The earthy, herbaceous note that ties everything together.
Salt & pepper to taste: Season to your liking so the flavors pop—zucchini loves a good pinch of salt!
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a dash of color to the hot, cheesy bake.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by setting the scene: preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your favorite baking dish. Prepping the oven now gives your Cheesy Baked Zucchini the hot hug it needs to ooze and bubble to perfection!

Step 2: Toss the Veggies

In a large bowl, combine your sliced zucchini, a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together with your hands or a big spoon—the oil and seasonings should coat each zucchini round, giving them a head start on flavor before baking.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. No need to overlap too much; keeping them even helps the cheese melt and brown just right. Scatter your halved cherry tomatoes over the top for splashes of color and juicy dots of sweetness.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Now for the best part: sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the veggies, followed by a generous shower of grated parmesan. Together, these cheeses create the signature bubbly, bronzed top of Cheesy Baked Zucchini that everyone can’t resist picking at straight from the dish.

Step 5: Bake To Golden, Bubbling Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 18 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for melted, deeply golden cheese and tender zucchini. If you want that extra crackly cheese crust, broil the top for 1 or 2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Bring your Cheesy Baked Zucchini to the table as soon as it’s out of the oven. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, right when the cheese is at its stretchiest and best!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Zucchini

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice—its bright green color brings a fresh contrast against the bubbling cheese and adds an herby lift. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or add a squeeze of lemon over the top for a zingy twist.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Baked Zucchini is wonderfully versatile: serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak, pair it with a light green salad, or plate it next to a bowl of pasta for a comforting, Italian-inspired meal. Its cheesy goodness makes it both a standout main and a perfect side dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Cheesy Baked Zucchini in individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or pair it with crusty bread for scooping up those golden cheesy edges. For family-style, simply serve straight from the bubbling baking dish—crowd-pleasing and rustic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Cheesy Baked Zucchini cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep its comforting flavor and texture for up to 3 days, ready for tomorrow’s lunch or a quick snack.

Freezing

For best results, freeze Cheesy Baked Zucchini before baking, as cooked zucchini can water out when thawed. Assemble the dish as directed, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To recapture that cheesy, bubbly magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—around 15 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps restore the delicious crispness on top.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, so feel free to mix and match or swap entirely for a more colorful presentation in your Cheesy Baked Zucchini.

What cheeses work best if I don’t have mozzarella?

Mozzarella gives that classic melt, but provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses can step in for delicious results. Aim for cheeses that melt smoothly and have mild, creamy notes.

How do I prevent soggy zucchini?

Slice the zucchini evenly and don’t overcrowd the baking dish—this helps moisture release properly and ensures even cooking. You can also pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before tossing with oil to cut down on excess liquid.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble Cheesy Baked Zucchini up to a day ahead, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready, adding a couple of extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is Cheesy Baked Zucchini gluten-free?

Yes, as written, there’s no gluten in this recipe—just double check that your cheeses and seasonings are gluten-free to be sure.

Final Thoughts

With its bubbling cheese, colorful veggies, and the kind of comfort you can feel good about, Cheesy Baked Zucchini is a dish I turn to again and again. I hope your kitchen fills with the same cheesy joy and warmth—give it a try and savor every bite!

Cheesy Baked Zucchini Recipe