Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy zucchini, you’ll love this Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini recipe.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food without the carbs. I’m always amazed at how versatile zucchini can be, and this dish highlights its natural goodness.
The combination of cottage cheese and ham adds a delightful richness, while the crispy bacon on top provides an irresistible crunch. Plus, it’s simple to make, which is a real bonus for busy weeknights.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini
When it comes to whipping up a tasty dish that’s both satisfying and low in carbs, this Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini recipe is a winner. The star of the show here is the zucchini, which, when layered with creamy cottage cheese and savory ham, creates a meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of bacon sizzling away in the oven? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to make some culinary magic happen. Ready? Here’s what you’ll need.
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into disks
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 lb diced ham
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices bacon
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients for a moment. Fresh zucchini is key to achieving that perfect texture, so try to choose ones that feel firm and have a vibrant color.
The cottage cheese adds that creamy goodness, but if you’re not a fan, you could swap it for ricotta, though the flavor will shift a bit. And speaking of flavors, don’t skimp on the seasonings; they elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
You can even play around with the herbs or throw in some spices if you want to get a little adventurous. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting—so feel free to make this dish your own!
How to Make Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini
Alright, let’s explore how to make this delightful Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini. First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.
While that’s warming up, take 3 medium zucchini and slice them into disks. This is where the magic begins. After slicing, boil those zucchini disks in salted water for about 5 minutes. Just enough time to get them tender but not mushy—nobody wants a soggy scalloped dish, right?
Once they’re done, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry. Seriously, nobody likes excess water in their casserole.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and add in 1 egg, 1 cup of cottage cheese, and 1/3 cup of diced red onion. Toss in 1/4 lb of diced ham, 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Now, mix it all together like you mean it. This cheesy mixture is where the flavor truly shines. Once everything is combined, it’s time to assemble. Grab a 2-quart casserole dish and spray it with some nonstick cooking spray—don’t be shy, give it a good coating.
Now for the fun part: layering. Start by placing about 1/3 of the zucchini in the bottom of your casserole dish. Then, half of that cheesy ham mixture goes on top.
Repeat the layers until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a top layer of zucchini. To make it even better, spread 6 slices of uncooked bacon over the top. Yes, bacon. The oven is going to work wonders on it.
Pop the casserole in the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. You might want to set a timer because the aroma wafting through your home will be simply irresistible.
And hey, while you’re waiting, you can plot how to devour this glorious dish once it’s out of the oven. Just try not to burn your tongue in the process; patience is key here. Enjoy!
Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini recipe is already packed with flavor, experimenting with substitutions and variations can make it even more exciting.
You might try swapping zucchini for yellow squash or even eggplant for a different twist. For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta in place of cottage cheese. If you’re not a fan of ham, diced chicken or turkey works great too.
Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish, and for a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
Experimenting with substitutions and variations can really enhance your Low Carb Scalloped Zucchini, but there are also some additional tips to keep in mind for the best results.
First, make sure to drain the zucchini thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. I also recommend using a variety of cheeses for added flavor.
If you want a crispy topping, consider broiling it for a few minutes at the end.
Finally, this dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; just reheat it in the oven. Enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!