Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake with Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake with Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs

Ready to wow your taste buds? This Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake is a veggie-loaded masterpiece topped with golden, garlicky herb breadcrumbs! It’s cozy, colorful, and bursting with flavor—a dish that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s bake up some deliciousness together!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

It's time to spice things up, my fellow food enthusiasts! Picture this: tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes, layered together in a dreamy bake, then crowned with the crunchiest, most fragrant garlic herb breadcrumbs. Oh yes, that’s our Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake—a dish that’s part comfort food, part flavor explosion. I’ve always been captivated by the humble zucchini. It’s like the introverted friend at the veggie party—quiet, unassuming, but oh-so-delightful when given the right spotlight. And in this baked perfection, zucchini truly steps out as the star! A simple stroll through your local farmer's market might just inspire you to whip up this vibrant dish, especially when summer’s bounty is at its peak.

Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake With Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is its tantalizing spice blend and that irresistible breadcrumb topping. We’re not just sprinkling any basic breadcrumbs here—no, no. These are golden, garlicky, herby little morsels of joy, made with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, plus a touch of zesty lemon zest for brightness. The spice mix pairs warming cumin and smoked paprika with a surprising hint of cinnamon to deepen the flavors—it’s like a little culinary trip to the Mediterranean. And, oh, the combination of the tender veggies with that crispy topping? You’ll want to devour this right out of the oven (but do let it cool just a bit—you don’t want to scorch your taste buds in your enthusiasm!).

If you’re looking for a few tips to totally nail this dish, I’ve got you covered! First, slice those zucchinis and tomatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate for that perfect harmony of softness and structure. And don’t skimp on the salt when you’re layering your vegetables—it draws out their natural sweetness and juices, making the bake even more flavorful. For the breadcrumbs, use day-old or slightly toasted bread for the best texture. Oh, and if you’re into a little extra punch, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking can take things to the next level!

Serve this Spiced Zucchini Tomato Bake as a stand-alone dish, or make it the star of a Mediterranean-inspired feast with a side of couscous or crusty bread. Want to mix it up? Toss in some sliced eggplant or bell peppers for added dimension. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—it’s like the little black dress of your dinner repertoire: endlessly adaptable and always in style. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, turn up that oven, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you!

Keywords: easy zucchini tomato bake recipe, Mediterranean veggie casserole recipe, homemade garlic breadcrumb topping, vegetarian dinner ideas with zucchini, baked tomato and zucchini side dish, spiced vegetable bake recipe, best zucchini and tomato casserole.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, onion, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  3. 3

    Transfer the vegetable mixture to a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, melted butter, and olive oil until evenly combined.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the vegetables in the baking dish.

  6. 6

    Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.

  7. 7

    Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

210 calories

Protein

5g

Carbs

24g

Fat

11g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute the zucchini with other vegetables?

A: Yes, you can use other vegetables like yellow squash, eggplant, or bell peppers. Just ensure they are sliced to a similar thickness to cook evenly with the other ingredients.

Q: What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?

A: Grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or even canned diced tomatoes (drained) can be used as substitutes. If using canned, omit additional liquid to prevent the bake from becoming watery.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure your Parmesan cheese, if pre-packaged, is also certified gluten-free.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. To maintain the crispiness of the topping, avoid reheating in a microwave.

Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

A: You can replace Parmesan with grated Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Q: My breadcrumb topping isn't getting crispy. What can I do?

A: If the topping isn't crisping up, ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Alternatively, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the vegetables and topping separately up to a day in advance. Store the vegetables in the baking dish, covered, in the refrigerator. Keep the breadcrumb mixture in an airtight container. When ready to cook, sprinkle the topping over the vegetables and bake as instructed.

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