Cheesy scalloped zucchini is a delicious dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s a recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini slices to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Bake:
- In a baking dish, arrange half of the sautéed zucchini slices in an even layer.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the zucchini layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add the remaining zucchini slices on top, forming another layer.
- Pour the rest of the cheese sauce evenly over the second zucchini layer, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the top (watch it carefully to prevent burning).
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the cheesy scalloped zucchini hot as a delightful side dish or a vegetarian main course.
This dish is versatile; you can add other herbs, like rosemary or basil, to enhance the flavors based on your preference. Enjoy your cheesy scalloped zucchini!
