Loaded Zucchini Bake

Absolutely! Here’s a flavorful and nutritious article-style recipe for **Loaded Zucchini Bake**:

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# 🥒🍽️ Loaded Zucchini Bake: A Flavorful, Healthy Dish for Any Occasion

Zucchini is one of those versatile vegetables that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. If you’re looking for a way to turn this humble veggie into something spectacular, **Loaded Zucchini Bake** is the answer! It’s a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal — from a weeknight dinner to a potluck or a light summer gathering.

This recipe combines tender zucchini with savory ingredients like melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a blend of spices, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this easy, healthy, and utterly delicious bake!

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### 🛒 Ingredients

– 4 medium zucchini (about 4 cups of sliced zucchini)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or turkey bacon for a lighter option)
– 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)

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### 🔪 Instructions

#### **1. Prepare the Zucchini**
1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you prefer, you can also halve the zucchini lengthwise and then slice.
3. **Optional**: To avoid excess moisture, sprinkle a little salt over the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps release some of the water. Pat dry with a paper towel.

#### **2. Make the Creamy Filling**
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine **sour cream (or Greek yogurt)**, **mayonnaise**, **onion**, **garlic**, **oregano**, and **crushed red pepper flakes** (if using). Mix well until everything is smooth and well-combined.
2. Stir in the **shredded mozzarella cheese** and **grated Parmesan cheese**, saving a little bit of mozzarella for topping.

#### **3. Assemble the Bake**
1. Layer half of the zucchini slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread half of the creamy mixture over the zucchini slices and sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon on top.
3. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, followed by the rest of the creamy filling, and top with the remaining bacon.

#### **4. Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional)**
1. If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle **panko breadcrumbs** over the top of the dish and then sprinkle a bit more mozzarella cheese over the breadcrumbs.

#### **5. Bake**
1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about **25 minutes**.
2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10 minutes** to allow the top to get golden and crispy.
3. Once it’s done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

**6. Garnish and Serve**
– Garnish with **fresh parsley** or **chives** to add a pop of color and freshness.

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