Baked Courgette Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Enjoy

Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are a wonderfully versatile vegetable that shines when baked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, baked courgette recipes offer a delicious and healthy option that’s easy to prepare.

Baked courgettes can be transformed into flavorful dishes ranging from cheesy casseroles to zesty Mediterranean bakes. Their mild taste takes on spices and herbs beautifully, making them a perfect canvas for creative cooking.

In this post, we’ll explore some delightful baked courgette recipes vegetarian style, highlighting simple ingredients and straightforward methods. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests with a wholesome, comforting dish.

Plus, baking courgettes helps retain their nutrients while enhancing their natural sweetness and texture. Ready to get cooking?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked courgette dishes are a hit because they combine taste, nutrition, and ease all in one. The vegetable’s tender flesh softens beautifully in the oven, absorbing the flavors of herbs, garlic, and cheese or plant-based alternatives.

These recipes are incredibly adaptable — you can make them spicy, cheesy, or light depending on your mood.

They’re also perfect for anyone following a vegetarian lifestyle, offering a nutrient-packed option that’s low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins. Whether you like a crispy topping or a creamy bake, these recipes deliver on texture and flavor.

Plus, baked courgettes make great leftovers and reheat well, making your week easier!

Ingredients

• 3 medium courgettes (about 600g), sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 100g grated vegetarian cheese (optional, can substitute with vegan cheese)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

• Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the courgettes. Wash and slice the courgettes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place them in a mixing bowl.
3. Season the courgettes. Add olive oil, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss gently to coat every slice evenly.
4. Layer the courgettes in the baking dish. Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer or slightly overlapping for more volume.
5. Add the toppings. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the courgettes, followed by grated vegetarian cheese and Parmesan if using. This will create a deliciously crispy and golden crust.
6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The courgettes should become tender and the topping golden brown. Check for doneness by piercing a slice with a fork.
7. Finish with fresh herbs and lemon. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors.
8. Serve warm. These baked courgettes pair wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you prefer a creamier bake, add a layer of ricotta cheese or a béchamel sauce between courgette layers.

For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast also adds a nice cheesy flavor.

Try mixing in other vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a colorful medley. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat.

For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes before baking. If you want a gluten-free crust, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free panko.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked courgettes are fantastic served as a side dish to hearty mains or as a light vegetarian meal on their own. Pair them with a fresh green salad or a grain bowl for a complete, nutritious lunch or dinner.

They also complement dishes such as roasted potatoes or lentil stews nicely. For more baked vegetable ideas, try our Half Runner Beans Recipe or add a touch of indulgence with a side of Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Baked courgette recipes open up a world of delicious, vegetarian possibilities that are both simple and satisfying. This versatile dish brings out the best in courgettes by enhancing their natural flavor and texture with aromatic herbs, spices, and optional cheesy toppings.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals that are quick to prepare but full of flavor.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a longtime enthusiast, these recipes fit seamlessly into any meal plan. Plus, with so many ways to customize the dish, you’ll never get bored.

Don’t forget to explore more veggie-packed recipes like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or treat yourself to a sweet finish with our Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs. Happy baking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Baked Courgette Gratin”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious vegetarian baked courgette dish with a crispy cheesy topping. Perfect as a side or light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 medium courgettes, sliced”, “1 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 190\u00b0C (375\u00b0F).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix sliced courgettes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange courgettes in a baking dish in an even layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine Parmesan, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the courgettes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30 minutes until topping is golden and courgettes are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}