Description
This Zucchini Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian casserole perfect as a comforting side dish or a light main. Tender Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh zucchini are combined with red bell pepper, onion, and Italian breadcrumbs, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, then baked to golden perfection with a topping of savory Parmesan cheese.
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 & 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 to assemble the bake.
- Combine Vegetables and Seasonings: In the baking dish, add the 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 ingredients thoroughly to evenly coat the vegetables with the oil and seasonings.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the mixture for 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the vegetables.
- Bake with Cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling and the potatoes are fully tender. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when baked.
- You can substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika.
- Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Covering the dish with foil midway through baking can help prevent over-browning.
