Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella
Creamy baked casserole featuring roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes topped with melted mozzarella. Comforting and keto-approved. This mediterranean-inspired keto (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds and halve cherry tomatoes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and minced garlic.
- Step 3: Arrange zucchini and tomatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped basil.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and 2 oz shredded mozzarella until smooth. Spread evenly over vegetables.
- Step 5: Top with remaining 2 oz shredded mozzarella and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Zucchini and Tomato Bake with Mozzarella vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a light meal, and the mozzarella melted just right.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at dinner with my family! So fresh and keto-friendly.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the zucchini took a bit longer to bake than the recipe suggested.