Baked Zucchini with Tomato and Parmesan – Easy Keto Side Dish Recipe
Hey there! I just have to share this delightful recipe I’ve been loving lately—baked zucchini with tomato and Parmesa! It’s such a cozy dish, perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and comforting without too much fuss! The combination of tender zucchini with juicy tomatoes and that golden, crispy Parmesan on top is just divine!
You’ll love how simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The zucchini slices get all nice and tender, while the tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor! And let’s not forget the cheese—it melts into the most deliciously gooey layer with a beautiful golden top that’s hard to resist!
What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to make! You don’t need a ton of ingredients or a lot of time, but the result is something that tastes like you put in way more effort. The herbs and cheese really elevate the flavors, making it something special, even though it’s so easy.
Trust me, this recipe is a true winner for those days when you crave something heartwarming yet simple! Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Delicious Flavor – The zucchini and tomato create a tasty, fresh combo, while the Parmesan adds a savory, juicy, cheesy touch. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s hard to resist!
- Easy to Make – This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for busy days! With just a few ingredients, you get a delicious result without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
- Super Tender – The zucchini becomes tender and the cheese melts beautifully, creating a warm, cozy dish. It’s like a hug from your oven in every bite!
- Healthier Choice – Zucchini is light and healthy, making this a great option for a nutritious meal. It’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t weigh you down!
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly! Zucchini is low in carbs, and Parmesan cheese fits well within a keto diet!
- Low Carb: This recipe is low in carbs because zucchini is a low-carb vegetable. With just a few slices of tomato and cheese, it remains a light option that doesn’t contribute a lot of carbs, making it suitable for a low-carb diet.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients used—zucchini, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs—are naturally gluten-free. There are no grains or gluten-containing products involved, so the recipe fits well within a gluten-free diet.
How To Make: Step-By-Step
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures your dish will bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Slice the Vegetables:
- Zucchini: Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Tomatoes: Wash and slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds as well.
Arrange the Zucchini: Place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are not overlapping too much to ensure they cook evenly.
Season the Zucchini: Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil. Season them with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Use your hands or a brush to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Add the Tomatoes: Place a tomato slice on top of each zucchini slice. This adds a juicy layer of flavor and helps keep the zucchini moist.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tomato slices. If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top of the Parmesan for an extra cheesy layer.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. You can check doneness by piercing the zucchini with a fork—it should be soft but not mushy.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm!
Tips, Ideas & Alternatives
Tips:
- Even Slicing: Try to slice the zucchini and tomatoes evenly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Preheat Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to get the best results.
- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a little garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
Ideas:
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: Top the dish with cooked chicken or turkey slices to turn it into a complete meal.
- Serve with a Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Alternatives:
- Cheese: If you’re dairy-free or want a different flavor, try using a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Veggies: Swap out the zucchini for other veggies like eggplant or bell peppers for a different taste.
- Tomatoes: If you prefer, use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
Your Questions: Q&A
Q: Can I use different vegetables instead of zucchini?
A: Yes, you can swap out zucchini for other vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or even sliced mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, as different vegetables have different cooking times.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, feta, or a dairy-free cheese alternative can all work well. Just adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Q: How do I make this dish paleo-friendly?
A: To make it paleo-friendly, omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, or simply season with extra herbs and spices for flavor!
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the zucchini and tomatoes, and even assemble the dish ahead of time. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You might need to adjust the baking time if it’s been chilled.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick. Adjust to your taste!
Baked Zucchini with Tomato and Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (depending on how much you want)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- olive oil/butter/lard for greasing the zucchini rounds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, basil or other seasonings of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer the Zucchini and Tomato: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in the baking dish. Lightly brush the zucchini with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Top each zucchini slice with a slice of tomato.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tomato slices. If using, add a little shredded mozzarella cheese for extra flavor and gooeyness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- Slice Evenly: Ensure the zucchini and tomato slices are of uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking. This helps the vegetables cook consistently and the cheese to melt properly!
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature (400°F/200°C) before baking. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.
- Use a Greased Baking Dish: Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil/butter or lard to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also use parchment paper for an additional non-stick layer.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Season the zucchini well with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish! You can experiment with various seasonings!
- Monitor Baking Time: Check the dish towards the end of the baking time. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy, and the cheese should be melted and golden brown. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven and the thickness of the slices!
