Baked Basil Layered Zucchini

My mom was a pro at making dinner from what we had in the garden or frig.  This dish is one of my favorite zucchini dishes.  She didn't have a recipe for this one - she just threw it together, so I hope I have come close.  Our zucchini and tomatoes are coming on in the garden, so I just had to make this.

All you do is cut the zucchini and put in the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan, then add the onions and tomatoes.  Sprinkle generously with basil.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Then sprinkle the top with cheese (you could use cheddar too) and cooked bacon pieces.  I use the pre-cooked bacon because it is easy, but you can cook the bacon.  Just don't cook till crispy because it will cook more in the oven.  Use kitchen scissors and cut bacon into small pieces.  Cover with foil and cook in pre-heated oven at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until zucchini is soft.  Take off foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

There you go - a delicious vegetable side dish.  Enjoy!

  Baked Basil Layered Zucchini

          4 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise, then in 1/4" slices

          1/2 medium onion, sliced

          3-4 medium tomatoes, sliced

          basil, salt & pepper to taste

          8 slices bacon, partly cooked, cut into small pieces

          1 heaping cup mozzarella cheese (can also use cheddar or combination)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Spread zucchini in bottom of 9" x 13" pan.  Layer onions then tomatoes on top.  Sprinkle generously with basil.  Add salt & pepper to taste.    Sprinkle with cheese and bacon pieces.  Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until zucchini is soft.  Check at 20 minutes to see if zucchini is almost cooked.  Uncover for last 10 minutes to crisp bacon.  Serves 8-10.