Description
Zucchini Pesto Bakes is a delicious and easy vegetarian dish featuring layers of tender zucchini rounds smothered in flavorful pesto and topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This comforting recipe makes a perfect side or light main course that’s both wholesome and packed with vibrant Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Layer
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Pesto and Cheese
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange zucchini. Place zucchini slices evenly in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a well-balanced base flavor.
- Add pesto. Drizzle half of the pesto sauce over the layer of zucchini ensuring every piece gets coated to infuse the dish with aromatic basil and garlic flavors.
- Sprinkle cheeses. Evenly distribute half of the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pesto-covered zucchini to add creamy and tangy cheesy goodness.
- Repeat layers. Create a second layer by repeating the arrangement of zucchini slices, then topping it with the remaining pesto sauce and cheeses for a rich, multilayered bake.
- Cover and bake. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the zucchini to become tender and the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Brown the top. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese topping turns golden brown and develops a slightly crispy texture.
- Garnish and serve. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve the Zucchini Pesto Bakes hot and enjoy the fresh, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pesto according to your preference.
- To add a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes either during layering or on top.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm your pesto is gluten-free as some store-bought varieties might contain additives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Try adding chopped cherry tomatoes between the layers for extra color and sweetness.
