Zucchini Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Zucchini Cottage Cheese Bake is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner or side. Layers of tender zucchini, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella come together with Italian seasoning for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a small baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, blend together cottage cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Step 3: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices over the sauce.
4. Step 4: Spread a portion of the cottage cheese mixture on top of the zucchini, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Step 5: Repeat these layers twice more or until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top layer.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the bake cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

• Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery bake.
• For added flavor, mix in some minced garlic or chopped fresh basil into the marinara sauce.
• Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a sharper, salty finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring gently to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Fresh zucchini works best since frozen zucchini releases more water, which can make the bake soggy. If using frozen, be sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry before layering.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the marinara sauce you use does not contain gluten-based additives. Always check labels to be sure.

Zucchini Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

A delicious and comforting Zucchini Cottage Cheese Bake featuring layers of fresh zucchini, creamy cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs. This easy-to-make baked casserole is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a small baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend together the cottage cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy filling.
3. Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices over the sauce. Spread a portion of the cottage cheese mixture evenly on top of the zucchini, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer. Repeat these layers two more times or until all ingredients are used up, finishing with zucchini and topping with remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Season: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and dust with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven to let the layers set, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Drain excess moisture from zucchini slices by patting them dry with paper towels before layering to prevent a watery casserole.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting results.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as garnish.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Keywords: zucchini bake, cottage cheese casserole, vegetarian bake, Italian seasoning, healthy casserole, baked zucchini recipe, mozzarella cheese bake