Zucchini Tomato Bake
Zucchini Tomato Bake is one of those go-to dishes that tastes like summer in every bite.
Juicy tomatoes, tender zucchini, garlic, and melty Parmesan come together in one cheesy, golden bake.
It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor—ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Your family will love how simple and satisfying it is, and you’ll love how easy it is to prep, bake, and enjoy.
Whether you’re working through a garden haul or just want a healthy, cozy dish, this one’s a keeper.
For Zucchini Tomato Bake
- Zucchini – You’ll need about 2.5 lbs (roughly 2 large). Cut into quarters for bite-sized pieces that bake up tender but still hold their shape.
- Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes work great halved, but you can also use 2 large tomatoes diced. Use what you have!
- Garlic – Five cloves, minced. This brings bold, savory flavor to the whole dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – About ½ cup, freshly grated if possible. Adds a salty, cheesy finish.
- Dried Herbs – Use 1 teaspoon of any dried herbs you like: basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning all work well.
- Salt and Pepper – ¾ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Simple, but essential.
- Fresh Herbs – A handful (⅓ cup) of chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, herby finish right before serving.
- Cooking Spray – Lightly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking. Any spray will work—olive oil spray is a nice option.
Zucchini Tomato Bake
Notes
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs zucchini (about 2 large), cut into quarters
- 10 oz grape tomatoes, halved or 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried herbs (basil, oregano, or Italian blend)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8x8-inch or 9x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- For crunchy zucchini, bake for about 25 minutes.
- For softer, well-cooked veggies, bake for 35 minutes.
Check doneness by piercing zucchini with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Make ahead: You can prep the ingredients and place them in the baking dish up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Cheese options: Swap Parmesan with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you like.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan cheese or sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Using larger tomatoes? Let chopped tomatoes rest on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 444mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g |
1. Can I use different types of tomatoes or zucchini?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests grape tomatoes and standard green zucchini, feel free to use any variety you have on hand. Yellow squash or heirloom tomatoes can add unique flavors and colors to the dish.
2. How can I prevent the bake from becoming too watery?
Zucchini and tomatoes naturally release moisture when cooked. To minimize excess liquid, lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes before assembling the dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove the drawn-out moisture.
3. Can I add protein to this dish to make it a main course?
Certainly! Incorporating cooked proteins like ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can make this bake more filling. Simply layer the cooked protein between the vegetables before baking.
4. Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it convenient for meal planning or entertaining.
5. How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
