Home Made Loaded Zucchini Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or use cooked sausage or ground beef)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the zucchinis into rounds or half-moons (about 1/4-inch thick). If you want to reduce moisture in the zucchini, you can salt them lightly, let them sit for 10 minutes, and then pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Stir occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup). Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Zucchini Bake:

• In a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish, layer the sautéed zucchini mixture, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon (or sausage/ground beef) evenly over the zucchini.
• Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top of the zucchini and bacon layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

• Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the zucchini bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

Optional Add-ins:

• Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Bell Peppers: Stir in some diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
• Spinach or Kale: For extra nutrients, add in some cooked spinach or kale.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the zucchini bake for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.