2-3 medium zucchini (about 1.5 lbs), very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or basil
The Genius 15-Minute Method
(Turn your broiler to HIGH and position a rack about 6-8 inches from the heat source.)
Step 1: Prep and Season the Zucchini
On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the thinly sliced zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread it out into a relatively even layer.
Step 2: The Initial Broil
Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is just starting to become tender and is lightly charred in spots. Keep a close eye on it!
Step 3: Create the "Sauce"
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the zucchini and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything right on the pan to combine.
Step 4: The Cheesy Blanket
Sprinkle the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: The Final Broil
Return the pan to the broiler for another 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely! It's done when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and gloriously golden brown in spots.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve right from the pan! This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Pro-Tips for Flawless Scalloped Zucchini
Slice Evenly & Thinly: Use a mandoline slicer (carefully!) or a sharp knife to get uniform 1/8-inch slices. This ensures even cooking.
Don't Walk Away from the Broiler: Broilers are powerful and can burn food in a flash. Your full attention is required for this 15-minute process.
Use the Right Pan: A light-colored, rimmed baking sheet is ideal. A dark pan may cause the bottom to burn too quickly.
Customize It!:
Add Protein: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham over the zucchini before adding the cheese.
Add Tomatoes: Scatter cherry tomato halves over the zucchini before the final broil.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
Serving & Enjoying: The Perfect Pairing
This zucchini is a superstar side that pairs beautifully with:
Grilled Chicken or Steak: The creamy, cheesy zucchini is the perfect complement to simply grilled meats.
Roasted Salmon: For a delicious, low-carb meal.
As a Main: For a light vegetarian dinner, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Zucchini Recipe
This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is more than a recipe; it's a revelation. It proves that you don't need hours to create a dish that feels indulgent and elegant. It’s the ultimate solution for using up a garden harvest, impressing last-minute guests, or simply treating yourself to something deliciously easy.
We want to see your beautiful, bubbly creations! Did you get that perfect golden-brown top? Share a photo of your cheesy masterpiece in the comments below!
Love quick veggie sides? You have to try our [Parmesan Roasted Broccoli]—it’s another 15-minute wonder!
