This simple and delicious recipe turns zucchini into a flavorful, cheesy side dish that’s perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Sauté the Zucchini: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and lightly brown.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the zucchini. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors. If you want a little heat, add the red pepper flakes now.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to this recipe.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Baking: Instead of sautéing, you can arrange the zucchini in a baking dish, top with the seasonings and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Meat additions: cooked crumbled sausage, or cooked bacon bits work well added to this recipe.
- Heavy Cream: For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
- Air Fryer: you can also air fry the zucchini. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Toss the zucchini with the oil and spices. Air fry at 375F for about 10 minutes, then top with the cheeses, and air fry for a few more minutes until melted.