Loaded Zucchini Bake

Welcome to the world of culinary delight with our Ultimate Loaded Zucchini Bake—a dish that elevates the humble zucchini to new heights of gastronomic pleasure. Bursting with layers of freshness, savory bacon, and a rich blend of cheeses, this bake is a celebration of textures and flavors. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a standalone delight, the Loaded Zucchini Bake transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing. Join us on this culinary journey as we delve into the meticulous steps of creating this unforgettable dish.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 Medium-sized zucchini
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1/2 White onion
  • Bacon
  • 1 Block sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • On low heat, begin cooking bacon in skillet. Nearly a whole pack of bacon will be used (I had only 3 pieces leftover).
  • Slice the zucchini, onion, and tomato.
  • In a 9×13 baking dish, evenly layer zucchini until bottom of dish is covered.
  • Drizzle zucchini with a touch of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Place several pats of butter (4-5) on top of zucchini.
  • Next layer with 1/4 sliced onion; then layer with one sliced tomato.
  • Once bacon is fully cooked; crumble.
  • Add a layer of crumbled bacon on top of the vegetable layers.
  • Next, sprinkle bacon with an even layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I shredded mine fresh directly on the dish.
  • Complete same layers as listed once more.
  • Top the final layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese with grated parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle with oregano.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender and cheese is golden brown.
  • Enjoy as a main dish or side dish.

Useful Tips and Information:

Fresh Shredding: Shredding the sharp cheddar cheese directly onto the dish ensures the freshest and most intense cheese flavor in each bite.

Bacon Variations: Experiment with different bacon varieties, such as applewood-smoked or maple-glazed, to add unique flavor profiles to your Loaded Zucchini Bake.

Cheese Medley: Feel free to explore cheese combinations—mixing in some mozzarella or Gouda can add depth to the overall cheesy goodness.

Herb Infusion: Customize the dish by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.

Conclusion:


Congratulations, you’ve just crafted the Ultimate Loaded Zucchini Bake! A true symphony of flavors and textures, this dish is a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are layered with care and creativity. Share this culinary creation with friends and family, creating memories around the table as you savor the goodness of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and a rich cheese blend. The Loaded Zucchini Bake isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience—a journey through layers of culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.