These cheesy baked zucchini and potato rounds deliver the perfect combination of tender vegetables and melted cheese in every golden bite. This simple yet satisfying recipe transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. The alternating layers of zucchini and potato create an appealing visual presentation while the double cheese topping ensures maximum flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Base:
- 2 medium zucchini (approximately 400g/14 oz)
- 2 medium potatoes (approximately 400g/14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml/1 fl oz)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (60g/2.1 oz)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50g/1.8 oz)
Optional Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15 minutes)
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Position the oven rack in the center for even browning.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables Wash the zucchini and potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut both vegetables into uniform rounds approximately 5-6mm (1/4 inch) thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water and rinse thoroughly. This removes excess starch and helps achieve crispier results. Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 4: Season the Vegetables In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried zucchini and potato slices. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and black pepper, adding any optional seasonings if desired.
Assembly and Baking (35 minutes)
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet Create an attractive pattern by alternating zucchini and potato rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Overlap the slices slightly, creating a shingled effect that allows for even cooking while maximizing surface area. Ensure the slices are in a single layer for optimal browning.
Step 6: Initial Baking Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial cooking period allows the vegetables to soften and begin developing their golden color before adding the cheese.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the partially cooked vegetables. The combination of these two cheeses provides both creaminess from the cheddar and sharp, nutty flavors from the Parmesan.
Step 8: Final Baking Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the edges should be lightly caramelized.
Step 9: Rest and Serve Allow the baked rounds to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving easier while preventing burns from molten cheese.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cup (recipe makes 6 servings) Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Potassium: 480mg
- Vitamin A: 12% DV
This recipe provides a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and calcium while maintaining moderate calories. The combination of vegetables offers essential nutrients and dietary fiber, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Combinations
Experiment with different cheese blends such as Gruyère and fontina for a more sophisticated flavor profile, or try pepper jack and Monterey Jack for a mild heat. Goat cheese crumbles mixed with fresh herbs create an elegant variation perfect for dinner parties.
Vegetable Additions
Incorporate thinly sliced sweet potatoes, yellow squash, or eggplant rounds for additional variety and color. Red onion slices add a subtle sharpness that complements the cheese beautifully, while bell pepper strips contribute sweetness and crunch.
Herb and Seasoning Variations
Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage elevate the dish significantly. Mediterranean seasoning blends, za’atar, or everything bagel seasoning provide unique flavor profiles that transform this simple side dish into something special.
Healthier Modifications
Reduce the oil by half and use cooking spray for a lighter version. Substitute part of the regular cheese with reduced-fat varieties, or add nutritional yeast for extra flavor with fewer calories. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs can partially replace some cheese for added protein.
Protein Additions
Transform this side dish into a main course by adding cooked bacon bits, pancetta, or prosciutto between the vegetable layers. Leftover cooked chicken or turkey can be diced and scattered throughout for a complete meal.
Different Cooking Methods
For crispier results, start the vegetables on the stovetop in an oven-safe skillet before transferring to the oven. Air fryer adaptation requires reducing temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cooking in batches for 12-15 minutes total.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cheesy baked rounds pair exceptionally well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or baked fish. They make an excellent accompaniment to barbecue dishes and work beautifully as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal alongside grilled lamb or herb-crusted salmon.
For vegetarian meals, serve alongside quinoa salad, stuffed portobello mushrooms, or a hearty lentil dish. The rounds also work wonderfully as an appetizer when cut into smaller pieces and served with a fresh herb aioli or garlic yogurt dip.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Store leftover baked rounds in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, use a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this makes the vegetables soggy and the cheese rubbery.
The assembled but unbaked dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my potato slices turn brown before cooking? Potato slices brown due to oxidation when exposed to air. Rinsing in cold water and patting dry immediately before seasoning minimizes this effect. Adding a splash of lemon juice to the water can also help prevent browning, though this may slightly affect the final flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe? Fresh vegetables work best for optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen vegetables, thaw them completely and pat very dry before proceeding. Frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture during cooking, which can result in a less crispy final product.
How can I make the vegetables extra crispy? For maximum crispiness, ensure vegetables are completely dry before oiling, use a light hand with the olive oil, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Pre-salting the zucchini slices for 15 minutes and patting dry removes excess moisture that can prevent proper browning.
What’s the best way to slice vegetables uniformly? A mandoline slicer produces the most consistent results and saves significant time. If using a knife, take your time and use a steady, rocking motion. Consistent thickness is crucial for even cooking, so it’s worth the extra effort to ensure uniformity.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd? Absolutely! When doubling the recipe, use two separate baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even browning. You may need to extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes depending on your oven and the thickness of your vegetable layers.
These cheesy baked zucchini and potato rounds represent comfort food at its finest while incorporating healthy vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy. The golden, bubbly cheese topping combined with perfectly tender vegetables creates a side dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.