Vegetarian > Baked > Mexican

Baked Zucchini with Cotija Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup of Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil.

4. In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchinis with olive oil until they are well coated.

5. Add the spice mixture to the zucchinis and toss until they are evenly coated.

6. Arrange the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

7. Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the zucchinis.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

9. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 400°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 175
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the zucchinis before baking.
- Top the baked zucchinis with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the zucchinis evenly so they cook evenly.
- Use a mandoline slicer to get even slices.
- If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil instead.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the zucchinis in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked zucchinis on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted potatoes

Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the zucchinis are not tender after 20-25 minutes, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the zucchinis thoroughly before slicing and baking.

Food history:
- Zucchini is a summer squash that originated in Central America and Mexico.

Flavor profiles:
- The zucchinis are savory and slightly spicy from the spice mixture, while the Cotija cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked zucchinis as a side dish or appetizer.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Mexican

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Nutty