Loaded Zucchini Bake

Embark on a culinary journey with our mouthwatering Loaded Zucchini Bake recipe. This dish beautifully combines the freshness of zucchini with a medley of flavorful ingredients, resulting in a satisfying and wholesome creation. Bursting with colors, textures, and rich flavors, this loaded zucchini bake is perfect as a hearty side dish or even a light meal on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, this recipe offers a delightful way to savor the goodness of vegetables.

Loaded Zucchini Bake Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ONE yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ONE cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (white, brown, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked black beans (canned or cooked from dry)
• ONE cup shredded vegan cheese (cheddar or mozzarella style)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, diced bell peppers, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in the greased baking dish.
5. Evenly distribute the cooked quinoa or rice and cooked black beans over the vegetables.
6. Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese on top of the quinoa and beans.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Once done, take the baking dish out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro over the top.

Nutrition Facts:

• Servings: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake

Per Serving:

• Calories: ~240
• Total Fat: ~8g
• Saturated Fat: ~2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: ~230mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~34g
• Dietary Fiber: ~8g
• Sugars: ~6g
• Protein: ~9g