Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds

These Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds are the ultimate savory snack or side dish crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with gooey, golden cheese. They’re easy to whip up with just a handful of simple ingredients and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the cheesy mixture onto each zucchini slice, gently pressing it down.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
6. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Variation

1. Cheddar Twist: Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar cheese to add a richer, slightly tangier flavor. It also melts beautifully and creates a delicious golden crust.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a touch of heat that balances nicely with the creamy cheese and mild zucchini.
3. Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version without compromising on crunch or flavor.

Cooking Notes

1. Even Slicing is Key: Aim for consistent 1/4-inch slices so all rounds cook evenly. Too thin and they’ll burn quickly; too thick and they may turn soggy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave a little space between the zucchini rounds on your baking sheet. This helps them bake more evenly and keeps them from steaming.
3. Watch Closely Toward the End: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the rounds during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning and get that perfect golden top.

Serving Suggestions

1. Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside marinara or ranch dipping sauce as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or casual get-togethers.
2. Side Dish Upgrade: Pair these cheesy rounds with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta for a tasty and slightly indulgent side dish that’s still veggie-forward.
3. Snack Attack: Enjoy them solo as a warm, satisfying afternoon snack. They’re perfect right out of the oven or even reheated later for a quick treat.

Tips

1. Pat Zucchini Dry: If your zucchini is especially watery, lightly pat the slices with a paper towel before topping them. This helps prevent sogginess and makes for crispier edges.
2. Cheese Blend Magic: Combine mozzarella with a bit of provolone or fontina for an extra gooey and flavorful cheese mix that melts like a dream.
3. Make It Ahead: You can prep the zucchini slices and cheese topping mix a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking to save time.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Sodium: 360 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these zucchini rounds in an air fryer?
   Absolutely! To make them in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and cook the rounds for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
2. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
   Yes! Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a perfect substitute. Just slice it the same way and follow the recipe as written.
3. Do these reheat well?
   They’re best fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them a bit soggy.
4. Can I freeze these?
   Not recommended. The high water content in zucchini can cause the rounds to become mushy after freezing and thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds are everything you want in a quick, comforting, and veggie-forward dish—cheesy, golden, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or starter, they’re sure to disappear fast. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t forget the fresh parsley garnish—it adds the perfect pop of color and a fresh finish!

Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds are the ultimate savory snack or side dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with gooey, golden cheese. They’re easy to whip up with just a handful of simple ingredients and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the cheesy mixture onto each zucchini slice, gently pressing it down.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
6. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, broil the rounds for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
• Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish / Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ~1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: baked zucchini, cheesy zucchini, zucchini rounds, easy appetizer, vegetarian snack