This delightful dish features tender baked zucchini rounds topped with a medley of flavorful vegetables, melted cheese, and a tangy garlic dill sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light vegetarian main course.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Baked Zucchini:
- Zucchini: 1, sliced into rounds
- Olive Oil: For drizzling
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: To taste
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Bell Pepper (Red or Green): 1, chopped
- Ketchup: 100 g (½ cup)
- Italian Herbs: To taste
- Cheese (Mozzarella or Cheddar): 100 g (about 1 cup), grated
- Mushrooms: 100 g, sliced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 4–6, halved
- Olives: To taste
For the Garlic Dill Sauce:
- Yogurt: 2 tbsp
- Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp
- Dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Directions
For the Baked Zucchini
- Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bake the Zucchini
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until tender but still firm. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetable Topping
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of vegetable oil.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped pepper, and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir in ketchup and cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Zucchini
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the baked zucchini slices.
- Top each slice with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, and grated cheese.
- Bake Again
- Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For the Garlic Dill Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped dill, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Chill the Sauce
- Refrigerate the sauce for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light vegetarian meal.
- Use as a starter or appetizer for a party or gathering.
- Add a side of garlic bread for a hearty pairing.
- Drizzle extra garlic dill sauce on top before serving for a tangy finish.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overbake the zucchini; it should remain slightly firm to hold the toppings.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Experiment with other toppings like spinach, artichokes, or crumbled feta cheese.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the zucchini slices instead of baking them.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini: Low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and a good source of fiber.
- Mushrooms: Provide antioxidants and nutrients like selenium.
- Cheese: Adds protein and calcium for strong bones.
- Garlic and Dill: Offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free if ketchup and other ingredients are certified.
- Low-Carb: Suitable for low-carb diets.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) or in a microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended as zucchini can become watery upon thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with veggies and cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, side, or light main dish.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Garlic Dill Sauce is a versatile, delicious dish that combines fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce for the perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, eggplant, bell peppers, or yellow squash are great alternatives.
- What cheese works best? Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda melt beautifully and enhance the flavor.
- Can I make it vegan? Use plant-based cheese and yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
- Can I skip the ketchup? Substitute with tomato paste or marinara sauce for a less sweet option.
- How do I keep the zucchini from becoming soggy? Avoid overbaking and slice the zucchini evenly.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the zucchini and bake just before serving.
- What can I serve with this dish? Pair with rice, quinoa, or a crusty baguette.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Freezing is not recommended due to zucchini’s high water content.
- How do I store the garlic dill sauce? Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- What other herbs can I use in the sauce? Substitute dill with parsley, chives, or cilantro.