Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole

 

🥒🍅 Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole: A Stunning Dish That Tastes as Good as It Looks

If you're looking for a healthy, delicious, and eye-catching dish to serve at dinner, look no further than the Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole. This vibrant, veggie-packed casserole isn't just a feast for the stomach — it’s a feast for the eyes, too.

Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main, it’s simple to make and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this elegant “fan” style bake will definitely impress.

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🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & light — Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

• Budget-friendly — Made with simple, seasonal ingredients

• Versatile — Works as a side dish or a main

• Elegant presentation — Looks like it came from a fancy bistro, but is easy to assemble!

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

🔹 Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Wash the zucchini and tomatoes, and slice them into even rounds — about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices.

🔹 Step 2: Assemble the Fan

In a lightly oiled baking dish, arrange the zucchini, tomato, and (optional) onion slices in a fan-like pattern. Alternate the slices — zucchini, tomato, onion — and keep them standing upright in rows. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

🔹 Step 3: Season & Dress

Drizzle olive oil over the veggies, sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Top with grated Parmesan if using.

🔹 Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned on top.

🔹 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh herbs on top just before serving. Serve warm as a beautiful side dish or with crusty bread for a light main.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled chicken or fish

• Quinoa or couscous

• Crusty sourdough or garlic bread

• A light green salad

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add mozzarella between layers for a cheesy twist.

• Use yellow squash for more color contrast.

• Try it with eggplant slices for a heartier texture.

• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for extra depth.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Baked Zucchini and Tomato Fan Casserole is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. With its stunning presentation, savory garlic-and-herb flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a perfect way to showcase summer produce — or elevate any meal year-round.

Whether you're trying to eat more vegetables or just want a simple yet elegant dish, this recipe is a keeper.