One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese

This one pan baked zucchini cheese is my new go to recipe for an easy weeknight meal loaded with melty cheddar, tender zucchini, and golden crispy edges, all finished in under an hour with just 15 minutes of prep. If you are looking for a quick, low fuss dinner that satisfies cravings for cheesy comfort food with minimal cleanup, this is the perfect solution whether you need a side dish or a main course.

I first made this one pan baked zucchini cheese on a hectic weeknight when the fridge was almost empty, and was amazed by how delicious it turned out with just a handful of kitchen staples. Since then, it has become our family's go to baked zucchini cheese recipe, especially during zucchini season. My kids love helping squeeze out the zucchini and we always look forward to that irresistible cheesy aroma coming from the oven as it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Three medium zucchini, freshly grated: Essential for bringing natural moisture and subtle sweetness; select firm, unblemished zucchini for best texture, and scoop out seeds if using larger squash for a more tender bite
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: The key to rich, melty texture; sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, or sub with Mexican blend for a zesty twist
• Half a cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity; try aged Parmigiano Reggiano for depth or a vegetarian hard cheese for dietary needs
• Two large eggs: Help bind all ingredients together and add protein, ensuring the finished dish slices neatly
• Half a cup breadcrumbs: Bring subtle crunch and structure; gluten free panko or almond flour work perfectly for alternative diets
• Half a teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory richness without chopping, convenient for fast prep
• Half a teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the cheesy filling with gentle sweetness
• A quarter teaspoon black pepper: Enhances overall savoriness and gives a gentle heat that complements the cheeses
• A quarter teaspoon salt: Boosts the flavors in every bite; reduce if your cheeses are extra salty or for lower sodium preferences
• Two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled over the top to create golden crusty edges; for best results, choose high quality olive oil for added richness

How to Make One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese

Heat Your Oven and Prep the Pan for Baking:

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F, ensuring it is fully preheated for even cooking. Prepare a 9 by 9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step will guarantee easy serving and cleanup after baking, so the cheese will not stick to the pan.

Remove Moisture from Zucchini to Prevent Soggy Texture:

Transfer the freshly grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel, then twist and press to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Take a couple minutes to do this thoroughly, since drier zucchini means crispier edges and less chance of a mushy center once baked.

Combine Ingredients to Build Cheesy Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the well squeezed zucchini, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until the cheeses and crumbs are evenly distributed, ensuring each slice will have the full flavor and structure that makes this recipe satisfying.

Spread and Smooth in Baking Dish for Even Cooking:

Scrape the cheesy mixture into the prepared pan, then use a sturdy spatula to press it down and level the top, compacting gently. Even packing helps the baked cheese cook uniformly and forms those signature golden, crispy edges that make this dish craveable.

Drizzle Olive Oil for a Golden Finish:

Carefully drizzle the olive oil over the surface of the mixture. Spreading it evenly encourages browning and crispiness across the top layer, so the finished bake comes out with a beautiful, golden crust and rich, appealing flavor.

Bake Until Golden Brown with Cheesy Edges:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden with bubbling, cheesy edges. The middle should be set without any liquid remaining. Check doneness at 25 minutes, since oven temperatures can vary, and bake a bit longer if needed for a firmer, crunchier finish.

Cool and Cut for the Best Texture:

Allow the baked zucchini cheese to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This short rest lets the cheese firm up, making it easier to cut clean pieces that hold together without falling apart. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, or let cool to room temperature if serving buffet style.

One of my favorite discoveries with this baked zucchini cheese is that mixing sharp cheddar with salty Parmesan creates ultra rich flavor and a perfectly creamy middle. My kids always laugh when squeezing out water from the zucchini—turning it into a fun family activity before we pop the pan into the oven. With a base of wholesome veggies and real cheese, this recipe quickly became one of our most requested dinners, especially when garden zucchini is in season.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Try swapping the cheddar for mozzarella if you want more stretch, or throw in gruyere for a deeper, earthier taste in your baked zucchini cheese. To make the recipe gluten free, simply use gluten free breadcrumbs or almond flour, which will also create a slightly denser texture. You can also mix in extras like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or sun dried tomatoes to pack in more veggies and boost the color and flavor of the final dish.

How to Store and Reheat One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese

For best results, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container—this helps prevent condensation that could make the cheese soggy. Store the squares in a single flat layer with parchment between pieces if stacking, and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and edges are crisp, or microwave for a quick option though the texture is best from the oven.

What to Serve with One Pan Baked Zucchini Cheese

Pair your baked zucchini cheese with a fresh green salad for lunch, or serve alongside tomato soup or light minestrone for a cozy vegetarian dinner. It also makes a delicious side with roast chicken or grilled fish, adding satisfying cheesy flavor and hearty texture. For a party or holiday brunch, cut into squares and decorate with fresh herbs, making it both attractive and easy to serve buffet style.

Nutritional Benefits

This one pan baked zucchini cheese is packed with protein (about 15 grams per serving) and delivers a big boost of calcium, thanks to the cheeses and eggs. As a naturally vegetarian recipe with plenty of vegetables, it offers more fiber and vitamins compared to typical casserole dishes. The use of zucchini keeps carbs lower and adds important antioxidants, making it a satisfying yet wholesome comfort food option.

Recipe Success Tips

If your baked zucchini cheese turns out watery, next time squeeze the grated zucchini even harder to avoid excess moisture. Letting the bake rest before slicing also helps the cheese set, so each piece holds together nicely without falling apart. For extra golden edges, finish under the broiler for two minutes, keeping an eye so it does not burn, and always use parchment paper to guarantee easy removal.

This cheesy one pan baked zucchini cheese is sure to become your new favorite quick fix dinner or snack, thanks to its golden crust and creamy texture. Enjoy every bite and feel free to try new variations or share your favorite family memory with this beloved easy recipe.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you prevent the zucchini dish from becoming soggy?

Thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel before mixing with other ingredients. This step ensures a firmer, golden texture when baked.

→ Can you substitute other cheeses for cheddar or Parmesan?

Yes, try using mozzarella, gouda, or asiago for different flavor profiles. Adjust seasoning to complement the cheese's characteristics.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the mixture light yet suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

→ What sides pair well with this baked zucchini and cheese dish?

Serve alongside fresh salads, roasted chicken, or herbed rice pilaf for a balanced meal rich in flavors and textures.

→ How can leftovers be reheated while maintaining crispness?

Reheat slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through and edges regain their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.