Delicious Zucchini Tomato Bacon Recipe – Easy and Healthy!
As a chef that specializes in Southern-style cuisine, I always try to bring some good ol’ fashioned comfort food to the table. And today, I am excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite Southern dishes – the Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish.
This dish is especially beloved by our patrons who are looking for a hearty side dish or a savory summer entree. With its aromatic blend of fresh tomatoes, salty bacon and tender zucchini, this recipe embodies the very essence of Southern cooking.
Each bite of this zucchini tomato bacon dish transports you to the rolling hills of the Appalachian South, where every meal is a celebration of Southern hospitality and warmth.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a side dish complementing your favorite meaty delight or relish its rich flavors as an impressive main course to serve your vegetarian guests.
So, whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish is sure to be your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love indulging in delicious and hearty southern-style cuisine? This recipe for Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish is sure to become your next favorite.
What’s not to love about juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and tender zucchini all bathed in a delectable tomato bacon sauce? This dish is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. You’ll love the combination of flavors and the rustic appeal of this casserole.
Not only is this dish super easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding some gouda cheese or even some Canadian bacon for an extra burst of flavor. Or try swapping out the zucchini for some summer squash for a different twist.
Plus, this Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish makes a great side dish that pairs well with any protein, pasta, or salad. It’s the perfect way to round out a meal.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with its savory goodness!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon dish recipe:
- 4 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and Pepper
- Cooking spray
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! This Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish recipe is easy to prepare and only requires a few steps, making it a great option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 small zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (14 oz.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
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To the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add sliced zucchinis and chopped onions to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Next, add the chopped tomatoes into the skillet with the zucchinis and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange tomato slices, zucchini slices, and bacon onto the top of the vegetable mixture in an alternating pattern.
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Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until vegetables are cooked through.
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Sprinkle fresh basil on top of the baked dish before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish!
Note: This recipe can easily be adapted by using Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon or adding Gouda cheese to make it creamy.
Layered Squash Tomato Casserole Variation
For a unique twist on this recipe, try turning it into a layered squash tomato casserole. Simply layer sliced zucchinis, sliced summer squash, and sun-dried tomatoes with a tomato sauce with bacon in a baking dish. Top the casserole with grated Gouda cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a tasty vegetarian option that can stand on its own as a main dish or be paired with a pasta or salad as a side dish.
Get creative with your cooking and make this Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish recipe one of your favorite dishes to make!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern cuisine has a way of transporting your taste buds to a world of comfort and warmth. This Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish Recipe is no exception. As much as we love classic southern flavors, there’s always room for experimentation and adaptation in the kitchen.
Are you looking for a vegetarian version of this dish? Simply omit the bacon and replace it with some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to add smokiness to the dish. You could also throw in some sautéed mushrooms for added umami flavor.
If you’re trying to cut back on red meat, Canadian bacon makes a fantastic substitute for pork bacon. The leaner, crispier meat will still give you that irresistible salty flavor.
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some gouda cheese on top and bake until melted and bubbly. If you’re serving this dish as part of a pasta night, add some sun-dried tomatoes to your favorite pasta dish or mix it with some cooked pasta to create an easy and flavorful tomato pie.
If you’re vegetarian or want to try making this dish plant-based, swap out the bacon entirely and use vegan bacon bits instead. Instead of using butter or oil, opt for cooking spray – this will help keep the calories down as well.
And if you’re looking to add more vegetables into the mix, why not toss in some sliced yellow squash? This versatile vegetable will complement zucchini and tomatoes perfectly while adding another layer of flavor to your dish.
Serving and Pairing
I love this zucchini tomato bacon dish as a hearty side dish for a summer barbecue or family dinner. It goes perfectly with grilled chicken or steak, and the flavors of the bacon and veggies complement each other beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this dish with Gouda cheese or sun-dried tomato pasta for a savory and satisfying meal. Or, add it to your favorite salad for some extra crunch and flavor.
For brunch, I like to serve this dish alongside a classic Southern tomato pie or baked zucchini casserole. If you’re looking for something lighter, pair it with a yellow squash casserole or fresh garden salad.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this zucchini tomato bacon dish will be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make this zucchini tomato bacon dish ahead of time or you have leftovers, here are some tips to make sure it stays fresh and delicious.
Make-ahead: This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the dish by placing it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwaving it on high for 1-2 minutes.
Reheating: Since this dish has bacon in it, it’s best reheated in the oven to keep that delicious crispy texture. To do so, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you’re looking for an additional twist on this recipe or want to use up any extra ingredients on hand, try adding shredded gouda cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes or incorporating into a pasta salad.
Don’t forget that this southern-style zucchini tomato bacon dish makes a perfect side dish to accompany your favorite recipes such as baked zucchini or yellow squash casserole. The vegetables complement each other so well that you can even serve this as a main course alongside a green salad or tomato pie.
Overall, with easy-to-follow directions and delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to leave you and your guests satisfied.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish may seem like an easy feat, but there are some tips and tricks that will help ensure perfect results every time. Trust me; you’ll want to follow these tips to take your zucchini and tomato bacon dish to the next level.
One of the most critical tips for preparing this recipe is thoroughly draining the tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a lot of water, which can make your dish watery if not drained correctly. So, avoid ending up with soggy zucchinis and runny tomato sauce by draining the tomatoes in a colander for at least 15 minutes before starting the recipe.
Another essential tip is to use high-quality ingredients. The bacon, tomatoes, onion, and zucchini are key components of this dish, so selecting fresh and ripe produce is essential. Don’t shy away from spending a little extra money on quality ingredients to truly reap the benefits of this recipe’s flavors.
When preparing the bacon, it’s important to know that cooking times may vary depending on its thickness. On average, six slices of bacon should typically take about five minutes to cook over medium heat until crispy. If you’re unsure of whether it’s ready or not, you can always use a meat thermometer to determine its internal temperature, which should be between 150°F and 160°F.
To add extra flavor and aroma, using fresh herbs is always advisable. Dried basil may suffice if you cannot find fresh ones, but fresh basil cannot be beaten on taste. Using fresh herbs will give your dish an appetizing scent that will have everyone around asking what’s cooking.
Finally, do not rush the baking process of your zucchini tomato bacon dish. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes or until your desired texture is achieved. The longer baking time allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly while also ensuring a much more appetizing presentation.
By following these tips, you’ll be prepared to take on this recipe with great confidence, creating a scrumptious, southern-style zucchini tomato bacon dish that will delight your family and guests alike. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, a delicious and easy-to-make Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a side dish to complement your main course, or a tasty and healthy meal in itself, this recipe will not disappoint.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe is that it highlights the natural flavors of each ingredient without overwhelming them. The savory bacon complements the sweet tomatoes and zucchini, while the salt and pepper bring out their earthy taste. The end result is a balanced and flavorful dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations. You can substitute the bacon for Canadian bacon or try using Gouda cheese instead of cheddar cheese for a more pungent flavor. Additionally, you can serve this as a vegetarian option by omitting the bacon.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish recipe for anyone looking for something that is easy, healthy, and delicious. Whether you are an experienced chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes in your repertoire of favorite recipes. So give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
Southern Zucchini Tomato Bacon Dish Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1/2 onion
- 32 ounces chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 diced jalapeno
Instructions
- In a pan fry onion about 5 minutes till clear. Add bacon and fry another 5 minutes.
- Add rest of ingredients and then cover and simmer about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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