Zucchini Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a small baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and dust with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- 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