Description
This Zucchini Potato Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole dish that layers tender zucchini and thinly sliced potatoes in a luscious homemade garlic Alfredo sauce. Finished with golden melted cheese on top, this dish makes a perfect side or a light vegetarian main. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly recipe that blends the earthiness of potatoes with the freshness of zucchini for a deliciously balanced bite.
Ingredients For Zucchini Potato Bake (Creamy Garlic Alfredo Style)
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3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
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2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk (warm)
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the zucchini and potatoes into even rounds (use a mandoline if available).
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Make Alfredo sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
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Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
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Assemble:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a baking dish.
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Layer half of the potatoes, half of the zucchini, and pour over some sauce.
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Sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella.
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Repeat with remaining potatoes, zucchini, sauce, and top with mozzarella.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
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Slice vegetables thinly for even cooking.
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Can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant.
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For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
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Add cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier dish.
Tips
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
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To prevent watery zucchini, lightly salt slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before layering.
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If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Servings
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Makes 6 servings (as a side dish)
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4 servings (as a main dish)
Nutritional Information (per serving, side portion)
(Approximate values)
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Protein: 11 g
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Carbohydrates: 25 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 420 mg
Health Benefits
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Zucchini provides fiber, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants.
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Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, supporting heart and nerve health.
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Garlic boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Dairy (milk, cream, cheese) offers calcium and protein for bone strength.
Q&A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but for best results, bake first, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat covered in the oven.
Q3: What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
You can use a lighter béchamel (milk + flour + butter) or even a Greek yogurt-based sauce for fewer calories.
Q4: Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with oat/almond milk, use vegan butter, and swap cheese with plant-based cheese.
Q5: What does it pair well with?
It goes beautifully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a crisp green salad.