Description
Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini delivers Italian-inspired comfort with minimal effort. Cheesy, herb-infused zucchini slices promise a delightful side dish that will draw hungry guests straight to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 pounds zucchini, cut into ¼-inch slices
- Salt for zucchini
Dairy Components:
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F (218°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with butter.
- Slice zucchini into uniform 1/4-inch (0.6 centimeter) rounds and generously sprinkle kosher salt over each slice to draw out excess moisture. Allow zucchini to rest for 15 minutes.
- Gently pat each zucchini slice dry with paper towels, removing salt and residual liquid. Carefully arrange the slices in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
- Create the creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 20 seconds until fragrant. Incorporate the prepared cream mixture and whisk continuously until the sauce begins to bubble.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it melts completely and integrates smoothly into the sauce.
- Evenly pour the rich, creamy sauce over the arranged zucchini slices, gently shaking the dish to distribute the mixture uniformly.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a delectable cheesy layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the zucchini becomes tender.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Moisture Removal Technique: Salt the zucchini slices and let them rest to draw out excess water, ensuring a crisp and creamy final dish.
- Cream Sauce Magic: Whisking cream, sour cream, and seasonings creates a rich, luxurious base that elevates the humble zucchini.
- Cheese Layer Power: Combining parmesan and mozzarella adds depth of flavor and creates a golden, irresistible cheese crust.
- Temperature Precision: Baking at 425°F guarantees a perfectly caramelized top and tender zucchini texture.
- Quick Resting Period: Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors.
- Garlic Infusion: Brief sautéing of garlic releases its aromatic oils, providing a subtle but impactful flavor boost to the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg