This cheesy and creamy Parmesan zucchini recipe is the ultimate vegetarian dinner idea! In this easy comfort food meal, fresh zucchini slices are covered with cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

This Parmesan zucchini reminds me of my incredible Eggplant Parmesan sans tomato sauce or this wonderfully cheesy Zucchini Casserole.

 

Baked Zucchini, a classic of Italian cuisine, combines zucchini and Parmesan cheese in an irresistible blend of taste and texture that’s quick and easy to whip up!

In this easy zucchini bake, the humble zucchini gets a rich and creamy makeover with a generous drizzle of heavy cream, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic. This dish serves up all the flavorful charm of a chicken parm, minus the chicken!

With its ease of preparation and short cooking time – approximately 30 minutes – this zucchini recipe is a sure-fire hit! Perfect for a group of friends craving a creamy, low-carb, keto-friendly treat, my parmesan zucchini is a cheesy treat you don’t want to miss!

Why I Love This Zucchini Bake

• Simple and Quick: This casserole is simple to prepare and cooks in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Delicious: It’s a creamy, savory, and cheesy dish that feels indulgent and hits the spot when you’re craving comfort food.
• Versatile: It’s a great side dish, but can also be a main course.
• Low-carb and Keto-friendly: This recipe fits nicely into a low-carb or keto diet, making it a fantastic option for those adhering to these dietary lifestyles.
• Vegetarian: Perfect for those who want a vegetarian option that’s as hearty and satisfying as a meat-based dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This parmesan zucchini recipe uses just a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. With fresh zucchini, rich cream, and a blend of flavorful cheeses, this recipe is both delicious and quite simple to make.

• Zucchini: Cut your zucchini into 1/4-inch slices. Yellow squash can be used as a substitute.
• Salt for zucchini: Helps draw out moisture from the zucchini slices, preventing a watery dish.
• Butter: Adds flavor to the dish and helps sauté the garlic.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
• Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a rich texture to the sauce. Half-and-half can be used as a lighter substitute.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: You can also use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• Salt & black pepper: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the dish.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a melty, gooey texture and mild flavor. You can use provolone or Monterey Jack, too.

How to Make Parmesan Zucchini

Making this delicious zucchini casserole is a breeze with just a few simple steps. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make your own creamy, cheesy, and delicious zucchini bake.

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 425˚F and butter a big baking dish.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Sprinkle salt over the zucchini slices. Wait 15 minutes, then wipe off the salt. Arrange the zucchini in a baking dish and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan. Meanwhile, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, garlic, spices, and half of the Parmesan in a bowl. Add to the melted butter and stir until it bubbles.
4. Combine the sauce with the zucchini: Pour the creamy sauce over the zucchini. Shake the dish around to spread the sauce.
5. Add more cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
6. Bake: Cook for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Take out of the oven and wait 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy parmesan zucchini with a variety of delicious sides. Try my fluffy slow cooker bread for dipping into the extra cream sauce, or pair it with my grilled corn with herbed butter for a perfect match. If you’re a meat eater, these juicy garlic butter pan fried chicken breasts complement the dish wonderfully. For pasta lovers, my easy olive pesto pasta makes an excellent accompaniment.

For dessert, serve a light and refreshing mango sorbet to balance the richness of the zucchini casserole perfectly. For a refreshing drink, try a chilled glass of frosted lemonade or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

You can store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing the casserole because the cream sauce will separate once you thaw it. If that doesn’t concern you, you can easily freeze this for 1 to 2 months.

To reheat your zucchini, bake it at 350°F until it’s hot and the cheese starts bubbling.

More Zucchini Recipes

• Zucchini Salad
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
• Zucchini Tomato Casserole
• Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry