Cheesy Baked Courgettes Recipe | Simple Family Side Dish

Cheesy baked courgettes
Cheesy baked courgettes
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These cheesy baked courgettes make a great light lunch or side dish, and with their mix of herbs and melted cheese they taste a little like a delicious, lighter take on pizza.

There’s something so satisfying about a tray of courgettes bubbling and golden at the edges, the soft slices soaking up garlic, herbs, and cheese to create a cosy, comforting dish that feels far more indulgent than the effort involved.

Quick to throw together and endlessly versatile, it’s a brilliant way to make the most of courgettes when they’re at their best—perfect alongside roast chicken, grilled meats, or served simply with a crisp salad. Proof that simple ingredients can deliver big flavour.

Serving Suggestions with Cheesy Baked Courgettes

  • Alongside BBQ dishes — burgers, sausages or grilled veg skewers.
  • Grilled or roasted chicken — simple seasoning works best so the cheesy courgettes can shine.
  • Baked salmon or cod — the creamy, cheesy topping pairs beautifully with flaky fish.
  • Pasta dishes — especially tomato‑based pasta, pesto pasta or creamy chicken pasta.
  • Steak or grilled meats — a lighter, veggie side that still feels indulgent.
  • Garlic bread or focaccia — perfect for mopping up any cheesy bits.
  • Herby couscous or rice — adds freshness and balances the richness.
  • Crispy potatoes — roasties, wedges or smashed potatoes all work well.
  • Green salad — a simple lemon‑dressed salad cuts through the cheese nicely.
  • Tomato salad — juicy tomatoes add acidity and freshness.
  • Stuffed into wraps — great with grilled chicken or falafel for a quick lunch.

Variations for Cheesy Baked Courgettes

  • Garlic Cheesy Courgettes — Add minced garlic before baking for extra savoury flavour and aroma.
  • Parmesan Crusted Courgettes — Replace some of the cheese with Parmesan for a crisp, golden topping with nutty flavour.
  • Chilli Cheesy Courgettes — Sprinkle with chilli flakes for a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Herb-Crusted Courgettes — Add fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a more aromatic finish.
  • Mozzarella Baked Courgettes — Use mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy topping that melts beautifully.
  • Bacon and Cheese Courgettes — Scatter crispy bacon pieces over the top for added crunch and smoky flavour.
  • Tomato and Cheese Courgettes — Layer sliced tomatoes between the courgettes and cheese for extra colour and freshness.
  • Mediterranean Courgettes — Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little feta for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Blue Cheese Courgettes — Crumble blue cheese into the topping for a bold and creamy variation.
  • Cheesy Courgette Gratin — Add a breadcrumb topping for extra texture and a golden, crunchy finish.
  • Mustard Cheese Courgettes — Mix a little Dijon mustard into the cheese mixture for a tangy flavour boost.
  • Goat’s Cheese Courgettes — Substitute goat’s cheese for a creamy topping with a subtle tang.
  • Pesto Cheesy Courgettes — Spread a thin layer of pesto over the courgettes before adding the cheese for extra flavour.
  • Cheesy Courgettes with Pine Nuts — Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the finished dish for a delicious crunch and nutty flavour.

Cheesy baked courgette

Golden baked courgettes topped with melted cheese and lightly browned edges, arranged in a rustic dish that highlights their comforting, savoury appeal
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Side
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Baking trays

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large courgettes, cut in half lengthways
  • drizzle of olive oil

Cheese topping

  • 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • large pinch pepper
  • large pinch salt

Optional

  • chilli flakes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 170℃
  • In a small bowl add all the cheese toppings together and mix until combined.
  • Place the courgettes, skin side down, on a baking tray and brush some olive oil over the top.
  • Sprinkle the cheese mixture all over the top and sprinkle with chilli flakes, if using. Bake in the oven for around 20-25 mins until golden and tender, serve immediately.