Description
This Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini is a delicious and comforting side dish featuring tender zucchini rounds baked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce topped with crispy olive oil-infused bread crumbs. It’s perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetable accompaniment that balances creaminess and a golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Zucchini: Place the sliced zucchini rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a single layer, allowing each piece to cook uniformly.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared Parmesan cream mixture evenly over the arranged zucchini slices, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Topping: Mix the bread crumbs with olive oil to add a crispy, golden finish. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the zucchini and cream sauce layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Make sure the zucchini slices are evenly sliced to ensure even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
