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Zucchini and Mushroom Bake
Nothing celebrates the taste of fall like a delicious zucchini and mushroom bake. Perfectly spiced and seasoned, this classic dish is an easy-to-make and simple way to bring the flavors of the outdoors indoors and to your dinner table. Filled with tender vegetables, savory spices, and tasty flavors, this zucchini and mushroom bake will quickly become a favorite.
Zucchini and Mushroom Bake Overview
This zucchini and mushroom bake is a meal that can stand on its own or be served as a side dish. It is full of vibrant vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers, and aromatic, flavorful spices. It begins with a base of mushrooms and zucchini which are sautéed with garlic, then layered with onions and peppers before finally topped with seasoning. This cozy dish is cooked in the oven to give it a crisp and golden finish.
This zucchini and mushroom bake can become a one-pan dish with some simple adjustments. To make it vegetarian, switch out the mushrooms for vegetables like carrots, celery, or squash. For a vegan-friendly option, swap out the cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative. If you’re looking to add extra flavor, you can boost the protein with cooked sausage, chicken, or even roasted nuts and seeds!
This zucchini and mushroom bake is ready in a matter of minutes. 30 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of cooking time yields a flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. With 8 servings, it’s a meal that can easily feed a family or be portioned for a few meals throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups (16 ounces) sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups (1 pound) zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable bouillon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, zucchini and garlic; cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
- Add butter to the skillet and add onions and peppers; cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add bouillon, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper; mix to combine.
- Place vegetable mixture in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1/8th of dish
- Calories: 175
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
- Protein: 5 g
Cooking Time & Servings:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
Equipment:
- 1 medium skillet
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy zucchini and mushroom bake with a side of steamed green beans or grilled asparagus for a complete and nutritious meal. If desired, serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess. To give the dish a gourmet touch, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil.
Variation Ideas:
For added flavor, try adding roasted red pepper, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or black olives to the vegetable mixture. To make the dish more filling, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage at Step 3. For a unique spin, top with bread crumbs or crushed pretzels for added crunch.
Substitutions:
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs in place of regular crumbs. To make the dish vegan, use vegan cheese in place of regular cheese and vegetable broth instead of butter. For an extra punch of flavor, replace the bouillon with vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Storage:
Store cooked zucchini and mushroom bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the dish in heavy-duty aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Tips:
- For an extra-crispy topping, try broiling the dish for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
- To add extra creaminess to the dish, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end of Step 3.
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
- To save time, skip Step 1, sauté the vegetables in a single pan, and serve the dish cold.
Notes:
- This dish can be a great addition to a brunch menu; serve it with a light salad and crusty bread.
- To make the dish even more flavorful, add a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese to the vegetable mixture.
- Try serving the dish with a side of polenta or quinoa to add extra nutritional value.
- For a hearty soup, add a can of diced tomatoes or vegetable broth and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What type of cheese should I use?
You can choose any type of cheese that you like. Popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan if desired. Simply substitute vegan cheese and vegetable broth for the dairy and butter. - Is zucchini and mushroom bake gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. For an added crunch, substitute gluten-free bread crumbs for regular crumbs. - How can I make the dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
Category:
This zucchini and mushroom bake recipe is perfect for the autumn months, when these vegetables are at their peak freshness. It is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. It’s also an easy meal to make for weeknight dinners.
Personal Thought
For an easy weeknight dinner, this zucchini and mushroom bake is an ideal solution. The combination of mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and peppers offers a delicious mix of flavor and texture that’s a welcome change from the usual dinner selections. With a few simple adjustments, you can create a meal that’s tailored to your dietary preferences. Packed with nutrients, this cozy dish will have your family asking for seconds!
Getting creative with this recipe is always encouraged. Whether you want to add some extra protein or spice it up with a few bonus ingredients, there’s no wrong way to enjoy zucchini and mushroom bake. Be sure to experiment with varying quantities of ingredients to find the perfect blend of flavors for your taste buds. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider adding different vegetables or herbs to the mix for a unique spin!
So why not give this delicious zucchini and mushroom bake recipe a try? It’s a easy, tasty dish that your family is sure to love. Get creative and make it your own with variations, substitutions, and unique flavors. After all, food is an expression of your unique personality and creativity, so have fun with it!
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” –James Beard