Cheesy Zucchini Bake Casserole (Print Version)

Tender zucchini, tomatoes, and two cheeses meld in a bubbly, golden casserole ideal for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Herbs and Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil

→ Cheese and Extras

08 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Wash zucchini thoroughly and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Halve cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss sliced zucchini, halved tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix thoroughly for even seasoning.
04 - Drizzle olive oil over the vegetable mixture and toss again to coat all pieces.
05 - Spread half of the vegetable mixture in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
06 - Top the vegetables with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, distributing cheese evenly.
07 - Arrange the remaining vegetable mixture over the cheese. Scatter the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly and zucchini is fork-tender but retains shape.
09 - Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a less watery result, salt zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then blot with paper towels before layering.
02 - Omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free preparation.