Zucchini bake with bacon and swiss is a great recipe to try for using up your zucchini from your summer garden! Low carb, low fat, gluten-free and grain-free. Just six simple ingredients are all you need for the zucchini bake recipe.
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I forget what I was working on the first day I made this but I know that whatever it was it used up a lot of egg yolks. This time of year it was most likely ice cream. So with a bunch of egg whites and some shredded zucchini, I came up with an easy fuel pull that can go with almost anything.
What is a Fuel Pull?
For my non-Trim Healthy Mama readers the term ‘fuel pull’ describes a dish that is both low carb and low fat. In very simple terms THM diet recommends eating either low carb or low-fat meals. A FP can go with either type of meal or be eaten on its own to boost weight loss.
Since bacon is not low fat in and of itself I enjoy throwing just enough into my fuel pulls to get that bacon flavor while keeping the fat content low enough to be a FP. I did this also in my Creamy Bacon Dip and Bacon Cauliflower Soup.
What Are The Benefits To Eating Zucchini
Zucchini is a great food to keep on hand. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and even vitamin B. Plus this is a low carb option that will help keep you on track.
You can buy zucchini year-round which is really nice. I love growing our own or buying from a farmer's market for those large fresh zucchini. That always taste better to me.
How To Pick Zucchini
Reach for a medium-sized zucchini, that offers a solid color all over. Ensure it is firm to grip when you gently press on it. You also want to see that the zucchini offers shine to the skin. If you pick a larger zucchini you will find they offer less flavor or off, and that the skin will be a lot tougher.
How To Make Zucchini Bake
First, you want to shred your zucchini and then place in an 8x8 casserole that has been greased. Then in a blender, you want to add all the other ingredients and blend until nice and smooth. Then pour the mixture over the zucchini and bake for about 30 minutes or until it is set.
How To Know When Zucchini Bake Is Done
You will notice that the egg mixture seems to be set, it won't jiggle and when you stick a toothpick in the center it comes out clean. You will also notice the top of the bake will be golden brown all over the zucchini bake.
Do I Have to Peel The Zucchini
You are welcome to peel the zucchini or leave the skin on. If you leave the skin on just make sure that you wash the outside really well to get rid of any dirt or grime left on the zucchini.
Best Way to Store Unwashed Zucchini
If you have extra zucchini just keep them unwashed and on the counter for a few days. Or if you want to put them in the fridge just wrap in a towel first and then place in your crisping box.
Wash right before you use, or if you do it earlier it will cause the zucchini to go bad a lot faster.
How To Store Zucchini Bake
Once you are done serving the zucchini bake, place any leftovers in the fridge. This recipe needs to be stored in the fridge or it will go bad if left on the counter.
How Long Can You Store Zucchini Bake In Fridge
This is best the day it is made. The zucchini can make it a little soggy after a couple of days in the fridge. If that happens, bake it in the oven or toaster oven to heat it instead of popping it in the microwave.
Can I Use Ricotta Cheese In Replace Of Cottage Cheese
I haven't tried using ricotta cheese but I am thinking it would work just fine to swap them out. It will adjust the flavor of the bake slightly but if you prefer ricotta give it a try.
Do I Have To Use Bacon In Zucchini Bake
No. You can opt to leave it out if you prefer. I think the bacon helps add some tasty flavor to the zucchini recipe but feel free to leave it out if you want it to be meatless.
Looking for more ways to use zucchini?
- Zucchini Salad with Lemon and Feta | Light, refreshing and the perfect summer salad for your weeknight meals or summer cookouts.
- Chicken Zucchini Casserole | Hearty, delicious and bursting with fresh summer zucchini in every single bite. This is a great casserole that whips up fast.
- Garlic Parmesan Zucchini | Quick to make, easy to prep and bite-size pieces of zucchini. Pair with a dipping sauce, or eat with a sprinkle of salt. Either way, this recipe is fantastic.
You all know I love quick and easy side dishes or even main dish recipes. This zucchini bake is great for a meatless dinner recipe, or use as a side dish to pair next to your favorite protein. I love pairing this next to chicken, pork, or even beef. I have even used this as a potluck dish or holiday side dish. You seriously can't go wrong with this zucchini recipe.
Have you tried a zucchini bake recipe before?
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 8 egg whites
- ½ cup 1% cottage cheese
- 3 wedges light swiss cheese
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or reduced carb milk such as Fairlife Milk
- 3 tablespoon bacon crumbles
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Spray an 8 x 8 casserole dish with cooking spray. Put the shredded zucchini into the dish.
- Combine the other ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over the top.
- Bake until golden brown and set. About 30 minutes.
Nutrition
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Originally Published September 5, 2017. Revised and Republished July 29, 2019.
Kimberly says
What do you mean by "light Swiss cheese wedge"? Laughing cow??
Taryn says
Yes. Or a similar product. I know aldi has their own brand.
Dee says
If i wanted to scale this down to one serving how long do you think i would need to bake it?
Taryn says
Hi Dee, I think it will take 15-20 minutes. Maybe even 25. You just need the egg to set. Thanks! Taryn
Chris says
Do you need to squeeze the water from the zucchini?
Debbie Guthrie says
If I wanted to make this an S could I just add more bacon or even some ham? On the other side could I make this an E by adding some precooked chx breast? Still getting my feet wet understanding THM.
Taryn says
Yes. Both of those are great ideas 🙂
B_Shaw says
I know this an old comment but just wanted point out for future readers that adding chicken breast would not make this an E.. to make an E you need a significant carb source like brown rice, sprouted grain pasta, etc.