Description
This Zucchini Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh zucchini, and red bell pepper, all tossed with fragrant spices and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection with a cheesy Parmesan topping. A comforting and wholesome side dish or vegetarian main that’s simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 zucchini, quartered and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic, sliced
Seasonings and Toppings
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish where the vegetables will be combined and baked.
- Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered and cubed zucchini, diced red bell pepper, diced white onion, Italian breadcrumbs, olive oil, sliced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Bake Initially: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to start softening and the spices to meld together.
- Add Cheese: After the initial baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture, distributing it well.
- Bake Again to Finish: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture when baked.
- To keep the top from burning, tent with foil if it browns faster than the vegetables cook.
- For a crispier topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh before serving.
