As I peeked into my fridge, a solitary zucchini caught my eye, begging to be transformed into something delicious. Enter the Zucchini and Bacon Slice, a versatile masterpiece that merges the subtle freshness of zucchini with the savory allure of crispy bacon. This dish isn’t just a quick fix for dinner; it’s also a meal prep hero, making busy days feel a bit more manageable. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed cold, sliced up for lunchboxes, it’s the kind of recipe that caters to all cravings. Plus, with the option to swap in different vegetables and proteins, you’ll never get bored. Who knew a simple slice could be so adaptable? Ready to dive into a recipe that will make your kitchen your favorite place? Let’s get started! Why is Zucchini and Bacon Slice a Must-Try? Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out bacon for ham or even turkey, tailoring this recipe to your taste and what you have on hand. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with fresh veggies, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Meal Prep Friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or snacks. Gluten-Free Option: Simply use a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re set to accommodate different dietary needs. Perfect Any Time: Whether it’s a hot breakfast or a chilled lunchbox treat, the Zucchini and Bacon Slice is ideal for any meal. Add a side of Baked Mac Cheese for an unbeatable combo! Zucchini and Bacon Slice Ingredients For the Base • Zucchini – Use grated zucchini; ensure it’s slightly drained for the perfect texture. • Carrot – Grated for sweetness and a pop of color, blending seamlessly into the dish. • Olive Oil – Provides moisture and helps with cooking; feel free to substitute with melted butter. • Brown/Yellow Onion – Finely diced for aromatic flavor that enhances every bite. • Bacon – This rich ingredient adds umami; consider swapping it with ham for a different twist. • Red Capsicum/Bell Pepper – Diced for added crunch and sweetness, balancing the savory flavors. • Eggs – Binds all the ingredients together beautifully; higher-quality eggs give a richer taste. • Milk – Moisture enhancer; substitute with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option. For the Filling • Self-Raising Flour – Gives structure and lightness; can be swapped with all-purpose flour and added baking powder (2 tsp per cup). • Grated Cheddar Cheese – Adds richness and flavor; mozzarella can be a tasty alternative. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to suit your taste. Optional Extras • Herbs/Spices – Add fresh herbs like parsley or spices like paprika for an extra flavor kick. • Vegetable Variations – Feel free to experiment with additional veggies like mushrooms or spinach to keep things interesting. This Zucchini and Bacon Slice is not just a meal; it’s a versatile creation that you can enjoy any day of the week! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Zucchini and Bacon Slice Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s heating, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with baking paper to ensure an easy release after baking. This preparation is crucial for the Zucchini and Bacon Slice so it comes out perfectly golden and intact. Step 2: Grate and Drain the Vegetables Grate the zucchini and carrot into a colander, then sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, allowing excess moisture to drain. This step enhances the texture of the Zucchini and Bacon Slice, ensuring it’s not soggy and holds together beautifully when cooked. Step 3: Cook Onion and Bacon In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped bacon, and sauté for around 5-7 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the onion turns golden brown. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before incorporating it into the slice for a deeper flavor experience. Step 4: Combine Vegetables and Dry Ingredients Once the grated zucchini and carrot have drained, gently squeeze out any remaining moisture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, carrot, diced capsicum, cooked onion and bacon, along with 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and the self-raising flour. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed, creating a colorful and filling base for your Zucchini and Bacon Slice. Step 5: Add Eggs and Milk Crack a few eggs into the bowl, followed by the milk. Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until it forms a well-combined batter. The eggs bind all the flavors and textures, making your Zucchini and Bacon Slice a cohesive treat. Step 6: Pour and Bake Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. To enhance golden color and flavor, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese evenly over the surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the slice is firm and lightly golden on top. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the Zucchini and Bacon Slice from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps it set further. Afterward, cut it into squares for serving. Enjoy it warm or let it cool completely for an easy grab-and-go snack throughout the week! What to Serve With Zucchini and Bacon Slice? Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides that complement the savory richness of this dish. Crispy Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the slice, adding a refreshing contrast. Garlic Bread: This classic pairing offers a warm, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the flavors in your Zucchini and Bacon Slice. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes enhances the dish, providing a delightful contrast to the savory ingredients. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness adds crunch and acidity, making it a perfect counterpoint to the slice’s tender texture. Vegetable Platter with Dip: Serve a colorful array of fresh vegetables with a creamy dip for added texture and freshness; it’s the perfect healthy snack! Herbed Quinoa: A light, fluffy quinoa dressed with herbs marries well with the hearty slice, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Savory Yogurt Sauce: A cool, herbed yogurt sauce drizzled on top adds a creamy contrast that brightens the overall flavors of your meal. Light Beer or Iced Tea: Pair with a refreshing drink; a crisp lager or iced tea will cleanse the palate and complement the dish beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Zucchini and Bacon Slice Fridge: Store the Zucchini and Bacon Slice in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the slice in individual portions inside airtight freezer bags. It can last for up to 3 months, preserving its delightful flavor. Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes or place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it hot straight from the oven or cold as a quick, nutritious snack! Zucchini and Bacon Slice Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your taste and pantry essentials! Ham Swap: Use diced ham instead of bacon for a lighter option. It’s just as delicious and still packed with flavor. Vegetable Medley: Mix in additional veggies such as mushrooms or spinach for a nutritious boost. This enhances the texture and keeps it exciting. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version without sacrificing moisture or richness. Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. The herbs will elevate the flavor profile, making it even more inviting. Gluten-Free Goodness: For a gluten-free take, swap the self-raising flour with a quality gluten-free blend and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique taste experience. Each cheese provides a different flavor kick that transforms every slice. Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat. This adds a zing that can turn a simple slice into a fiery delight. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a crunchy texture and a nutty element. This makes the dish even more satisfying and hearty. If you love versatile meals, consider pairing your Zucchini and Bacon Slice with our Smothered Chicken Food for a fulfilling dinner, or enjoy it as a snack alongside some Cream Ice Cream for a delightful dessert! Expert Tips for Zucchini and Bacon Slice Proper Draining: Ensure you drain the grated zucchini well to prevent a soggy slice. However, a bit of moisture enhances the flavor! Mixing Technique: Combine your ingredients thoroughly but don’t overmix. This keeps the texture light and fluffy, perfect for your Zucchini and Bacon Slice. Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap bacon for ham or turkey. This adjustment keeps the dish exciting and caters to your personal preferences. Baking Time Alert: Keep a close watch on the baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for a firm, golden top as a sign of doneness. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before enjoying again. Make Ahead Options These Zucchini and Bacon Slice are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can grate the zucchini and carrots the night before, placing them in a colander to drain overnight in the refrigerator, which helps prevent excess moisture. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and onions up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your Zucchini and Bacon Slice, simply combine all the ingredients as instructed, bake, and savor every bite—effortlessly transitioning from prep to table! By preparing components ahead of time, you save valuable minutes on busy weeknights while serving a dish just as delicious! Zucchini and Bacon Slice Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best zucchini for my Zucchini and Bacon Slice? Absolutely! Look for firm zucchinis with a vibrant green color and no dark spots. Smaller zucchinis tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for this recipe. If they feel heavy for their size, that’s typically a good sign of moisture and freshness! How should I store leftovers of the Zucchini and Bacon Slice? You can store the Zucchini and Bacon Slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to maintain the best texture and flavor. I often divide leftover slices into portions for easy access during busy weeks! Can I freeze the Zucchini and Bacon Slice? Yes, for longer storage, it’s a great idea! Slice the Zucchini and Bacon Slice into individual portions and place them in airtight freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes or heat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. What if my Zucchini and Bacon Slice comes out too soggy? If your slice turns out soggy, it may be due to excess moisture from the zucchini. Make sure to grate the zucchini and let it drain well in a colander for at least 10 minutes after sprinkling it with salt. You can even press out any additional moisture with paper towels before mixing it into your ingredients. Can I make this Zucchini and Bacon Slice gluten-free? Very! You can easily substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the labels of all packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free to accommodate specific dietary needs. What vegetables can I add to the Zucchini and Bacon Slice? Feel free to experiment! You can add diced mushrooms, spinach, or even grated sweet potato to amp up the nutrition and flavor. The more, the merrier! Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from additional vegetables as well to keep your slice from getting soggy. Delicious Zucchini and Bacon Slice for Easy Meal Prep A versatile Zucchini and Bacon Slice perfect for meal prep, blending fresh vegetables and crispy bacon for a satisfying treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 8 slicesCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 medium Zucchini grated, slightly drained1 medium Carrot grated2 tablespoons Olive Oil or melted butter1 medium Brown/Yellow Onion finely diced150 grams Bacon or ham for substitution1 medium Red Capsicum/Bell Pepper diced3 large Eggs higher quality for richer taste1 cup Milk dairy-free options include almond or soy milkFor the Filling1 cup Self-Raising Flour can swap with all-purpose and baking powder1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese mozzarella can be used as an alternativeto taste Salt essential for flavorto taste Pepper essential for flavorOptional Extrasto taste Herbs/Spices optional for added flavorto desire Vegetable Variations like mushrooms or spinach Equipment 9×9-inch baking dishfrying pancolandermixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Zucchini and Bacon SlicePreheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with baking paper.Grate the zucchini and carrot into a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and bacon until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.In a bowl, combine drained zucchini, carrot, capsicum, cooked onion and bacon, cheese, and self-raising flour, mixing thoroughly.Add eggs and milk, season with salt and pepper, and mix until well combined.Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top and sprinkling with remaining cheese, then bake for 35-40 minutes.Let cool in the dish for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before enjoying. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
