
This cheesy baked zucchini dish transforms ordinary garden squash into a comforting side that even vegetable skeptics will devour. The combination of crispy breadcrumb topping with melted cheese and tender zucchini creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that complement virtually any main course.
I first created this recipe during a summer when our garden produced an overwhelming amount of zucchini. What started as a desperate attempt to use our harvest became our family's most requested vegetable dish year round.
Ingredients
- Medium zucchini these summer squash have the perfect moisture content and mild flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully
- Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth that dried substitutes simply cannot match
- Quality olive oil helps the zucchini roast properly while adding richness
- Salt and black pepper essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of zucchini
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides that gooey meltability and tangy flavor contrast
- Parmesan cheese adds the salty umami notes that make this dish irresistible
- Breadcrumbs create the essential crispy golden topping that elevates this dish from good to magnificent
How To Make Irresistible Baked Zucchini Cheese
- Prepare the oven
- Set your oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures even cooking from the moment your dish enters the oven. Take a moment to properly grease your baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the zucchini
- Slice zucchini into uniform rounds approximately 6mm thick to ensure even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with minced fresh garlic, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each slice is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange and layer
- Transfer the seasoned zucchini to your prepared baking dish, arranging the slices in a slightly overlapping pattern for the most attractive presentation and even cooking. Some overlap is fine, but avoid piling them too densely as this can prevent proper browning.
- Add the cheese topping
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the arranged zucchini, followed by the grated Parmesan. Finally, distribute the breadcrumbs in an even layer over everything. This layering method ensures the cheese melts perfectly while the breadcrumbs form a golden crust.
- Bake to perfection
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges.
- Rest before serving
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving easier while preventing burned mouths.
This dish gained legendary status in our home when my vegetable adverse father in law took seconds and then asked for the recipe. The combination of garlic and two cheeses transforms ordinary zucchini into something truly special. I always keep the ingredients on hand for last minute dinner parties.
Make Ahead Options
This dish works beautifully as a prep ahead option for busy weeknights. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients.

Clever Variations
The basic recipe serves as an excellent foundation for countless variations. For a Mediterranean twist, add halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta instead of cheddar. Transform it into a heartier main dish by adding a layer of browned Italian sausage beneath the cheese. For an elegant upgrade, mix fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary into the breadcrumbs before topping. Each variation maintains the comforting essence of the original while creating an entirely new flavor experience.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile side pairs beautifully with nearly any protein. Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts for a light summer meal or with a hearty roast for Sunday dinner. For a vegetarian feast, pair with a simple tomato soup and crusty bread. During summer months, we often enjoy this as a light main course alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The mild flavor of zucchini makes this dish incredibly adaptable to your menu planning needs.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different types of cheese for this dish?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar and Parmesan, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or fontina. Just maintain similar quantities for proper melting and flavor balance.
- → How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming too watery?
To reduce excess moisture, you can salt the sliced zucchini and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before patting dry. This draws out moisture before baking. Also, avoid overlapping the slices too much in the baking dish to allow better evaporation.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, though you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- → What herbs would complement this baked zucchini dish?
Fresh or dried thyme, basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend wonderfully with zucchini and cheese. You can mix herbs directly into the breadcrumbs or sprinkle them with the seasoning in step 2.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also verify your cheese brands are gluten-free as some pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents with gluten.
- → What can I serve with this baked zucchini cheese?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, pasta dishes, or as part of a vegetarian spread. It also makes a satisfying light lunch when served with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.