Baked zucchini with cheese and sesame: the best summer dish

Baked zucchini with cheese and sesame is one of the easiest and tastiest summer recipes you can prepare from fresh seasonal vegetables. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, healthy, and diverse meals made from the natural gifts of the garden. While zucchini can be fried, stewed, pickled, salted, or even added to spicy Korean salads, baking them with cheese and sesame seeds gives you a truly unique dish. This delicacy will be the highlight of any table — whether it’s a simple family dinner or a festive occasion — and will win over even those who don’t usually favor vegetables.

Unlike fried zucchini, baked zucchini rings with cheese are low in calories, making them a great choice for anyone on a diet or watching their weight. At the same time, they remain rich in vitamins and nutrients. The addition of sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor with a nutty, piquant note but also significantly boosts the health benefits.

Sesame seeds (both black and white) are a natural source of calcium and potassium — minerals essential for strong bones, healthy cartilage, and the beauty of hair, lashes, and nails. They also contain sesamol, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals, lowers bad cholesterol, and has natural phytoestrogen properties that support hormonal balance.

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Ingredients

To prepare baked zucchini, you need (for 3 servings):

• 2 medium zucchini;
• 100 g cheese (any type);
• ½ tsp salt;
• ½ tsp ground black pepper;
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds;

Step-by-step recipe for baked zucchini with cheese and sesame

Wash the zucchini, pat dry with a kitchen towel, trim the ends, and cut into rings about 1 cm thick. Use a spoon to make a small hollow («pocket») in each slice.

Grate the cheese, mix with salt and pepper. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, place the zucchini rings, and fill each with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds on top. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 40 minutes. Serve warm. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley.

Notes & variations:

Instead of black pepper, you can season with red pepper, coriander, turmeric, or other spices. For a more aromatic taste, sprinkle the zucchini with black cumin seeds along with sesame. This recipe pairs perfectly with fresh salads and light summer drinks.

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