Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick – Minimal prep and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Deliciously Cheesy – Gouda cheese melts beautifully for a creamy, smoky flavor.
- Great Side Dish – Pairs well with grilled meats, pasta, or rice dishes.
- Versatile – Works as a warm appetizer or a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Layer zucchini and tomato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using).
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gouda cheese over the top and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Enhance with Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley make great additions.
- Add Protein: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Make It Crispier: Add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini becomes watery after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well and adds a pop of color.
What can I substitute for Gouda cheese?
Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss for a different taste.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes before baking to release excess moisture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the cheese, then bake when ready to serve.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it's low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.
What can I serve with this?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or pasta dishes.
Can I add breadcrumbs for crunch?
Absolutely! Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or panko before adding the cheese.
What’s the best way to slice the zucchini evenly?
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get uniform slices.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant make great additions.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, but for the best texture, store it without cheese and add it before reheating.
Conclusion
Baked Zucchini with Tomatoes and Gouda Cheese is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Whether served as a side or a main course, this cheesy, veggie-packed bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today for a delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini and tomatoes!
Baked Zucchini with Tomatoes and Gouda Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Zucchini with Tomatoes and Gouda Cheese is a quick, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect as a side, appetizer, or light vegetarian meal. With fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and melty Gouda, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Layer zucchini and tomato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using).
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Gouda cheese over the top and bake for another 5-7 minutes until melted and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use Different Cheese: Swap Gouda for mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Enhance with Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley add extra flavor.
- Add Protein: Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make It Crispier: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
