Irresistible Oven Baked Zucchini Cheese

As seen in Perfect Companions for Any Meal.

Dig into oven baked zucchini with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a top layer of toasted breadcrumbs for a cozy touch. Zucchini and garlic get tossed with oregano and olive oil so every bite packs tons of flavor. Pile everything up, sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs, and bake till bubbly and nicely browned. The cheese turns melty while the breadcrumbs crisp up for awesome texture. Grab it from the oven, let it rest a bit so everything sets, then scoop onto plates. Finish with some fresh basil and serve warm—easy and full of feel-good flavors.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sat, 26 Jul 2025 19:17:27 GMT
A cheesy zucchini dish served in a pan. Save Pin
A cheesy zucchini dish served in a pan. | foodthingle.com

Zucchini baked in the oven with gooey cheese hits the spot when you want something easy and really satisfying. The way mozzarella turns golden and bubbly on top while zucchini is still a bit firm makes this one of my favorite summer dishes.

I came up with this for a potluck ages ago when my garden exploded with zucchini. Folks loved it. Now it’s what I make for casual family nights and anytime I’ve got friends coming over.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Fresh basil leaves for topping: optional but adds fresh color and an herby kick pick the brightest leaves you can find
  • Pepper: crank some fresh for a zingier finish
  • Salt: helps lift all the natural flavors of the veggies
  • Dried oregano: classic Italian touch organic or high grade dried oregano means punchier taste
  • Garlic: minced for flavor and smell fresh works best but use jarred if needed
  • Olive oil: gets zucchini roasting and helps cheese brown use extra virgin if you have it for better flavor
  • Breadcrumbs: gives that crisp bite homemade from old bread really boosts flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: grated fresh is better for a deep nutty taste
  • Mozzarella cheese: shredded choose low-moisture so it melts smooth and gooey
  • Zucchini: you’ll want four medium ones slice them fresh so you get good texture and flavor

Step by Step Directions

Cool and Garnish:
Let your dish chill for a bit once it’s out of the oven so the cheese sets up. Toss on fresh basil right before digging in if you like and eat it warm for best flavor.
Bake:
Put the pan in the middle of the oven. Set your timer for twenty to twenty five minutes. You’re looking for bubbly golden cheese and zucchini that’s soft if you poke it with a fork.
Layer the Dish:
Scatter half the seasoned zucchini in the pan, let some pieces overlap a little. Sprinkle on half your cheesy breadcrumb blend. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini and cover those with the last of your cheese topping.
Mix the Cheesy Topping:
In a new bowl, toss together shredded mozzarella, fresh parmesan, and your breadcrumbs. Make sure the topping’s well mixed so it browns up evenly.
Season the Zucchini:
Put slices in a large bowl. Pour in olive oil. Add salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic. Stir well so every piece gets coated in the goodness.
Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry your zucchini. Slice them into rounds about a quarter inch thick. Try for the same thickness so every slice cooks just right.
Prep the Oven and Dish:
Get your oven warming up to 375°F (190°C). Use olive oil to slick up a medium baking dish or pop in baking paper. That way, cleanup’s easy and nothing sticks.
A pan of food with a green vegetable on top. Save Pin
A pan of food with a green vegetable on top. | foodthingle.com

Good to Know

What I love most is grabbing basil straight from my garden to throw on at the end. That fresh aroma always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen where there was always basil right by the window ready for anything we made together.

Storage Hacks

Give the zucchini bake time to fully cool before you wrap it up and stick it in the fridge. It keeps well for three days. If you want it warm again, bake it gently or heat slices up in the microwave. Want crunch? Put it under the broiler for a minute right before serving.

Swaps and Options

If you need it gluten free, swap in gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the breadcrumbs. If you’re out of mozzarella, cheddar gives a bolder taste. To make it vegan, try your favorite plant-based cheese and some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Ways to Serve

Serve with a crunchy baguette, a green salad, or even stirred through cooked pasta for something filling. Leftovers are awesome piled onto a sandwich too for the ultimate cozy meal.

A dish of food with a variety of vegetables. Save Pin
A dish of food with a variety of vegetables. | foodthingle.com

A Bit of Backstory

Zucchini and cheese bakes pop up everywhere around the Mediterranean. When our first zucchini shows up each season, my family makes this and it always vanishes before anything else on the table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you prevent soggy zucchini?

Cut the zucchini into similar-sized slices and toss them with oil and your seasonings first. Using a hot oven lets the extra moisture cook off, so you get soft but not mushy veggies.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

For sure! Mozzarella and Parmesan melt great, but swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère if you’re in the mood for different flavors.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Definitely! Cool it down, scoop into meal containers, then pop it in the oven or microwave later. The crumb stays nice and tasty.

→ What are gluten-free breadcrumb options?

Try almond flour or use some crushed gluten-free crackers. Both work well and you still get that nice crispy bite.

→ How do I get a crisp topping?

Spread your cheesy breadcrumb mix out in an even layer. Make sure the pan’s not too crowded so the topping toasts up perfectly golden and crunchy.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Go for it! Thin slices of onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers taste great and add extra color to the layers.

Zucchini Cheese Bake

Velvety layers of zucchini and gooey cheese with herbs, all covered in a crispy crumb for a real homey classic.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
40 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings (1 medium baking dish)

Special Diets: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Vegetables

01 4 regular zucchinis, cut into 1/4-inch thick circles

→ Cheeses

02 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
03 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated

→ Breadcrumbs

04 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

→ Oils and Seasonings

05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 clove garlic, chopped small
07 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
08 Salt as you like
09 Black pepper as you like

→ Garnish

10 Chopped fresh basil for topping (if you want)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a medium baking dish ready—rub it with oil or use parchment so cleanup's a breeze.

Step 02

Rinse your zucchinis really well, then chop them into about 1/4-inch thick coins. Toss them all into a big bowl.

Step 03

Pour olive oil over the zucchini slices. Throw in the chopped garlic, sprinkle in oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up so every piece gets some of that goodness.

Step 04

Stir together the mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs in another bowl until they're all mixed up.

Step 05

Put half your seasoned zucchinis at the bottom of the dish—they can overlap a bit. Scatter on half your cheesy breadcrumb mix.

Step 06

Layer the last of the zucchini on top, then pour on the rest of the cheese-breadcrumb blend so everything's covered and will crisp up.

Step 07

Pop your dish onto the middle oven rack. Let it cook about 20 to 25 minutes—you're looking for soft zucchini and a bubbling, browned topping.

Step 08

Take it out of the oven and let it cool a little. Add fresh basil if you want. Serve while it's still warm and gooey.

Additional Tips

  1. Need to skip gluten? Just swap the breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. Let the casserole settle for a few minutes after it comes out so it's easier to cut and stays together.

Essential Tools

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • This has dairy (cheese).
  • This has gluten (breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 205
  • Fat Content: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Protein: 10 g