🥒 Loaded Zucchini Bake (Low Carb)
🌿 Description
This Loaded Zucchini Bake is a creamy, cheesy, low-carb comfort dish that satisfies like a casserole but keeps things light and wholesome. Fresh zucchini is layered with garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a rich cheese blend, then baked until golden and bubbly.
It’s perfect for keto-friendly meals, meal prep, or as a hearty side dish. You get all the “loaded” flavor — without the heavy carbs.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
-
3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ small onion, finely chopped
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp dried thyme
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
🧀 Cheese Layer:
-
½ cup Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese)
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella
-
½ cup shredded cheddar
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan
-
1 tbsp chopped parsley
-
½ tsp paprika
🥓 Optional “Loaded” Add-ins:
-
Cooked turkey bacon bits
-
Chopped green onions
-
Crumbled feta
-
Sautéed mushrooms
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep Zucchini
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly salt zucchini slices and let sit 10 minutes to release moisture.
Pat dry with paper towel (this prevents watery casserole).
2️⃣ Sauté
Heat olive oil in a pan.
Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes.
Add zucchini and cook 3–4 minutes just until slightly tender.
Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Mix Cheese Layer
In a bowl combine:
-
Greek yogurt
-
Mozzarella
-
Cheddar
-
Parmesan
-
Parsley
-
Paprika
4️⃣ Assemble
Spread zucchini mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top evenly with cheese mixture.
Add turkey bacon or green onions if using.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🌟 Mediterranean Twists
-
Add sliced olives
-
Use feta instead of cheddar
-
Add chopped spinach
-
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest
🍽 Serving Ideas
-
Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon
-
Pair with cucumber tomato salad
-
Add to keto meal prep containers
-
Enjoy as vegetarian main dish
❓ Q & A
Q: How do I keep it from getting watery?
Salt and pat dry zucchini before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q: Can I make it keto?
Yes! It’s already low-carb. Just skip any breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but texture may soften slightly when reheated.
Q: Can I add meat?
Yes! Add cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based cheese alternatives.
