Golden Mediterranean Zucchini Bake with Spinach, Herbs, and Crumbled Feta Recipe
This Golden Mediterranean Zucchini Bake is a delightful and healthy casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced zucchini, sautéed spinach with aromatic herbs, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. Baked to a perfect golden brown, it’s a nutritious dish combining fresh Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the spinach wilts, approximately 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat to cool slightly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin by layering half of the thinly sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread half of the spinach mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle half of the crumbled feta cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini slices, spinach mixture, and crumbled feta.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Tilt the dish slightly if needed to help the mixture settle and evenly coat the layers.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden color and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the bake to set further and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm as a main or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with cream for a richer texture.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adjusting quantities to taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure that Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.
- Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top before serving adds a nice crunch.
Keywords: Zucchini bake, Mediterranean casserole, spinach feta bake, baked vegetable dish, vegetarian casserole
