Introduction to Zucchini Pie
If you have a lot of summer produce, this zucchini pie recipe is perfect. It’s light and delicious, making it great for lunch or dinner. It’s loved by many, with a 5 out of 5 rating from 8 voters.
Key Takeaways
- Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes; Total time: 1 hour.
- Serves: 8 people; Ideal for Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course, or Side Dish.
- Nutritional Info: 246 calories, 16.3g protein, 18.1g fat per serving.
- Storage: Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Recipe flexibility: Options for different cheeses and gluten-free ingredients.
Introduction to Zucchini Pie
Summer is the perfect time for fresh zucchini recipes. A savory zucchini pie is a great way to enjoy summer’s bounty. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, showing the beauty of home cooking.
This pie combines zucchini, Vidalia sweet onions, and cheeses over a pie crust. It’s a warm, comforting meal. It’s great as a lunch, starter, or main course for vegetarians.
Zucchini is low in calories but rich in fiber and vitamins. Paired with eggs, Parmesan, cheddar, and garlic powder, it becomes a tasty, healthy dish. It’s a twist on Southern tomato pies, with zucchini’s mild sweetness.
This pie is perfect for any meal plan. It’s great for gatherings or using up summer zucchini. Each bite is a mix of summer flavors, making it a highlight of home cooking.
Ingredients Needed
Making a perfect zucchini pie starts with the right ingredients. Whether you’re new to baking with zucchini or experienced, knowing the key ingredients is crucial. It can make your cooking journey more enjoyable.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients for a zucchini pie are simple yet key for a tasty dish. You’ll need:
- 4 cups of sliced zucchini (preferably a large zucchini yielding approximately 6-7 cups)
- 1 ready-made pie crust
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 1-3 cloves of crushed garlic
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or muenster cheese
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/4 cup of instant tapioca pearls for thickening
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 additional egg for the topping
- 1-2 tablespoons of demerara sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping
Optional Ingredients
Adding optional ingredients can make your zucchini pie even better. Baking with zucchini lets you try new things, like:
- Substitute mozzarella or muenster cheese with white Cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to complement the zucchini
- Incorporate different types of onions, such as sweet onions, for a unique taste
Trying out these zucchini pie variations can be a fun adventure in your kitchen. It makes every baking session exciting.
Prep Time and Cooking Time
Timing is key when making zucchini pie. The prep time for this Sweet Corn and Zucchini Pie recipe is about 15 minutes. You’ll need to get your zucchinis, sweet corn, mushrooms, and cheese ready.
The cooking time is around 45 minutes. This includes sautéing the veggies and baking the pie until it’s golden. It’s quick and easy to fit into your meal plans.
After baking, let the pie rest for 15 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors mix and the pie set. The total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Zucchinis are available all year, so you can make this pie anytime. For more details, visit Pinch of Yum.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 45 minutes |
| Resting | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Remember these times to easily add this zucchini pie to your meal plans. It’s perfect as a main dish or side. This recipe highlights the simplicity and flavor of summer produce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a delicious Zucchini Pie at home is easy and fun. Just follow these steps to make a perfect pie. With these tips, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time.
Preparation Steps
- Shred and Salt the Zucchini: Start by shredding 3 cups of zucchini and then salt it lightly. This helps in drawing out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Wring Out Excess Liquid: After letting the salted zucchini sit for about 10 minutes, wring out the excess liquid to avoid a soggy pie.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of baking mix, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of chopped pepperoni. If desired, you can also add optional ingredients like chopped bell peppers.
- Combine with Zucchini: Mix the shredded, wrung zucchini into the bowl, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the pie from sticking.
Baking Instructions
- Spread the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the pie turns a beautiful golden brown. You can check its readiness by inserting a knife into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the pie is done.
- Cooling: Allow the Zucchini Pie to cool slightly before serving to let it set perfectly.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|
| Calories: 176kcal |
| Carbohydrates: 14g |
| Protein: 10g |
| Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g) |
| Cholesterol: 108mg |
| Sodium: 562mg |
| Potassium: 254mg |
| Sugar: 5g |
| Vitamin A: 549IU |
| Vitamin C: 8mg |
| Calcium: 206mg |
By following these detailed homemade pie instructions, you can master the art of baking zucchini pie. It’s a delightful dish that everyone will love. Remember, the key is in the preparation and ensuring the zucchini is properly treated before baking. Enjoy your Zucchini Pie!
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Making the perfect zucchini pie is more than just a recipe. It’s about mastering some key zucchini pie tips and cooking hacks. These will make your dish perfect every time.
One important zucchini pie tip is to prep your zucchini right. Zucchini has a lot of water, so you need to get rid of it. Use a potato ricer to squeeze out the extra water. This makes your pie crust crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
For a perfect zucchini pie, the right oven temperature is crucial. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Then, lower it to 375°F for baking. This two-step process helps your crust get crispy and ensures the filling cooks evenly.
If you don’t have baking mix, don’t worry. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This homemade mix is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry and still want to make a perfect zucchini pie.
Timing is also key:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Knowing the nutritional content is also helpful:
| Nutrition Fact | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 214kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 92mg |
| Sodium | 485mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 870IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 217mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
These cooking hacks and zucchini pie tips will improve your baking. They ensure every pie you make is delicious and looks great.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you’re serving zucchini pie as a main dish or a side, a well-chosen accompaniment can elevate your meal to new heights. Here, we’ve gathered some meal ideas and recipe accompaniments to help you create a delicious and balanced menu.
Main Dishes
Zucchini pie pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes when served as a main course. A simple green salad makes for a wholesome and light meal. A fresh tomato salad can also bring vibrant flavors and a refreshing contrast to the savory pie.
- Green salad: The crispness and freshness of a green salad complement the rich and nutty flavors of zucchini pie perfectly.
- Tomato salad: Juicy tomatoes, combined with herbs and a light dressing, offer an excellent zucchini pie pairing.
For those who love a bit of protein with their meals, pairing zucchini pie with grilled chicken or roasted chicken provides a satisfying and well-rounded main course option.
- Grilled chicken: The smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken accents the delicate flavors of the zucchini pie.
- Roasted chicken: Succulent roasted chicken offers a comforting and hearty pairing.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving zucchini pie as a side dish, it complements a range of main courses, adding versatility to your meal ideas. Whether you’re grilling meats, frying chicken, or enjoying a seafood platter, zucchini pie can enhance your dining experience.
- Fried chicken: The crispy and savory taste of fried chicken contrasts delightfully with the soft texture of the pie.
- Seafood: The delicate flavors of grilled or baked seafood harmonize well with the savory notes of zucchini pie. Broccoli raisin salad can also be added for a vibrant and nutritious twist.
For more adventurous pairings, consider incorporating a broccoli raisin salad. It brings unique textures and flavors, making it a perfect recipe accompaniment to zucchini pie. The broccoli raisin salad not only adds variety but also introduces some crunch and sweetness to your meal.
These serving suggestions ensure that your zucchini pie stands out, whether as the star of the meal or as a delightful complement to other dishes. The possibilities are endless, making zucchini pie a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Storage and Reheating
Storing zucchini pie right is key to keeping its taste and quality. This Greek zucchini pie makes 15 generous slices. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for make-ahead meals, saving you time.
To reheat, let the pie warm up to room temperature first. Then, bake it in a preheated oven. For single slices, try an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes or the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes. To reheat the whole pie, bake it at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
This dish pairs well with many sides. For more ideas, check out these suggestions to make your meal even better.
Variations to Try
Making a tasty zucchini pie is a fun journey with many recipe variations. You can change your pie to fit your diet and taste. Here are some cool ways to make your zucchini pie different.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free zucchini pie, swap regular baking mix for gluten-free. Make sure all ingredients, like cheese and baking powder, are gluten-free. Bob’s Red Mill has great gluten-free baking mixes. This way, you get a yummy pie without gluten.
Cheese Variants
Try different cheese alternatives to spice up your zucchini pie. Instead of mozzarella, use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or mix cheeses. If you can’t have dairy, vegan cheese like Daiya works well. These recipe variations bring new flavors and textures to your pie.
Conclusion
The zucchini pie recipe is a great choice for those who love fresh flavors and cozy home baking. It’s like a mix of quiche and cake, using zucchini in a new way. With Bisquick and fresh zucchinis, it offers a tasty and fluffy texture.
This recipe is simple yet delicious, making it perfect for any meal. It’s a great way to use seasonal produce. Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini’s moisture for the best fluffiness.
Baking it for 40-45 minutes in an 8”x 8” pan or a bit less in a 9-inch pie pan is ideal. It serves 6 to 8 people. Letting it rest briefly after baking helps it set perfectly.
This zucchini pie recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. It combines comfort and sophistication. For more ideas, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops for quick and tasty home cooking.