Description
This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is a creamy, cheesy bake that turns simple zucchini into a rich, comforting side dish. Layered with tender zucchini slices, savory cheese, and a golden, bubbly crust, it’s the perfect easy weeknight recipe that feels indulgent but still fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium zucchini (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick).
- Lay them on a paper towel and lightly pat dry.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft (about 4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add butter, then sprinkle the flour and stir for 1 minute to form a paste.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Assemble & bake
- In a baking dish, arrange half of the zucchini slices in an even layer.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the zucchini.
- Add the remaining zucchini on top.
- Pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Finish & serve
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice into portions and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy scalloped zucchini, zucchini recipes, comfort food, side dish