Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Feta
This delightful Mediterranean-inspired zucchini and tomato bake combines fresh seasonal vegetables with the tangy richness of feta cheese. Perfect for showcasing a bountiful harvest from your garden or simply bringing the vibrant flavors of summer to your table. Layered with thinly sliced zucchini and ripe Roma tomatoes, this dish is enhanced with aromatic thyme and garlic, delivering an infusion of flavor in every bite. The creamy feta adds a luxurious touch, making it an excellent side dish or a light main course. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or seeking a weeknight dinner that’s sure to please, this gratin checks all the boxes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 (large, sliced into 1/2" rounds)
Roma Tomatoes
3 (sliced lengthwise into 4 slices each, seeds removed)
Olive Oil
3 (tablespoons)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Thyme
1 (teaspoon, minced)
Feta Cheese
4 (ounces, crumbled)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch rounds. Blanch the zucchini in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
3
Prepare the tomatoes by slicing them lengthwise into four slices each and removing the seeds with a spoon.
4
Grease a 9x9 glass baking dish. Begin by layering the zucchini slices in the dish, overlapping them slightly to create a single layer to cover the bottom.
5
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the zucchini layer.
6
Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper across the zucchini.
7
Add a layer of crumbled feta cheese over the zucchini.
8
Next, arrange the tomato slices over the feta in a single layer.
9
Season the tomato layer with additional salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
11
After baking, remove the foil and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Zucchini and Tomato Bake?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired vegetable gratin that layers zucchini, Roma tomatoes, and feta cheese with aromatic herbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients: zucchini, Roma tomatoes, olive oil, garlic cloves, thyme, feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should I prepare the zucchini?
Slice one large zucchini into 1/2-inch rounds, blanch them in boiling water for 4 minutes, drain well, and pat dry.
Why do I need to blanch the zucchini?
Blanching ensures the zucchini is partially cooked and tender before layering it into the gratin.
How do I prepare the Roma tomatoes?
Slice the tomatoes lengthwise into four slices each and remove the seeds with a spoon.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A 9x9 glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I start layering the dish?
Begin by layering the blanched zucchini slices in a greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom.
How much olive oil is used in the first layer?
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the bottom layer of zucchini.
What seasonings are added to the zucchini layer?
Sprinkle minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper across the zucchini slices.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Where is the feta cheese placed in the assembly?
The crumbled feta cheese is layered directly over the seasoned zucchini.
Where do the tomatoes go in the dish?
The tomato slices are arranged in a single layer over the feta cheese.
What do I do after adding the tomato layer?
Season the tomatoes with additional salt and pepper, and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dish.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long does the bake take?
The dish should bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, remove the foil and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What is the purpose of letting the dish rest?
The resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a Mediterranean vegetarian dish.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it works well as either a side dish or a light main course.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced thyme.
What kind of tomatoes are best?
The recipe specifically recommends 3 Roma tomatoes.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil are used.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is described as a vegetable gratin with creamy feta and tender, aromatic vegetables.
How thick should the zucchini be sliced?
Zucchini should be sliced into 1/2-inch rounds.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Tags include vegetable gratin, zucchini recipe, tomato bake, and summer vegetables.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish featuring seasonal vegetables.
Can I use this recipe for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a dish that is sure to impress at dinner parties.
Is the garlic sliced or minced?
The garlic should be minced for even distribution of flavor.