- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Place sliced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Pat dry with a paper towel to prevent a watery bake.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Mixture
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Stir in ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Arrange half the zucchini slices in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half the creamy cheese mixture over the zucchini.
- Repeat with remaining zucchini and cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and almond flour for a crispy top.
- Dot with butter or drizzle with olive oil.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serving and Storage Tips
🥒 Best served warm as a side dish or light meal.
🥒 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🥒 Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
🥒 Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.
Variants
- Bacon & Cheddar Zucchini Bake – Add crispy bacon bits and swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese.
- Mexican Zucchini Bake – Use pepper jack cheese and add cumin and diced jalapeños.
- Mushroom & Spinach Zucchini Bake – Mix in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra nutrition.
- Pesto Zucchini Bake – Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto for a fresh, herby twist.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
FAQ
1. Why is my zucchini bake watery?
✔ Salt and drain zucchini before baking to remove excess moisture.
✔ Bake uncovered to allow liquid to evaporate.
✔ Use almond flour or grated cheese to help absorb moisture.
2. Can I use yellow squash instead?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well as zucchini.
3. How can I make it crispier?
✔ Sprinkle pork rinds or extra cheese on top before baking.
✔ Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crunchy finish.
4. Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes! Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground turkey for a heartier dish.
5. Is this bake truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With low-carb ingredients and healthy fats, this dish is perfect for keto diets.
Final Thoughts
This Keto-Friendly Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for low-carb eaters and veggie lovers alike! Whether as a side dish or main meal, this easy bake is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.