End of summer means finding new ways to use up that prolific zucchini growing in the garden. It’s important that they be picked small to medium size and not allowed to get too big. Small to medium size zucchini have less seeds and are more tender and delicious. Cheese is always a good combination with zucchini, and this Three Cheese Zucchini Bake is one way to take advantage of that combination. This one is quick to put together; grating the zucchini is very easy in a food processor. Alternately, zucchini is soft enough to be grated by hand easily, so if a food processor isn’t available, it’s still really no trouble.

This cheesy vegetable bake is perfect with grilled meats, chicken, or fish. The crunchy topping goes well with the gooey cheese and tender zucchini. This one is a keeper.

8 Servings

2 pounds zucchini

2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup dehydrated onion flakes
2 cloves garlic, finely minced

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, or dried breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Spray a deep 9" x 9" glass casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Finely grate the zucchini.
3. Mix the eggs, salt, pepper, dehydrated onion flakes, and garlic; stir in the zucchini.
4. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake uncovered 20 minutes.
   Mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. After 20 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven; sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 20-25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
   
   Amount Per Serving
   Calories 228 Calories from Fat 128
   Percent Total Calories From: Fat 56% Protein 25% Carb. 19%
   
   Nutrient Amount per Serving
   Total Fat 14 g
   Saturated Fat 8 g
   Cholesterol 91 mg
   Sodium 519 mg
   Total Carbohydrate 11 g
   Dietary Fiber 1 g
   Sugars 0 g
   Protein 14 g
   
   Vitamin A 18% Vitamin C 20% Calcium 0% Iron 6%