Looking for a quick and simple recipe that packs a punch in flavour? Well, look no further! Today, we are making my Amazing Zucchini & Bacon Slice that’s as delicious as it is effortless. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this savoury slice combines the freshness of zucchini and the irresistible savouriness of bacon. Get ready to whip up a dish that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance!
The dynamic duo: Zucchini and bacon
Zucchini: Packed with vitamins and a subtle, earthy flavour, zucchini adds a nutritious and moist element to this slice. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies for the picky eaters in your life.
Bacon Bliss: Everything is better with bacon, right? The savoury, smoky essence of bacon takes this slice to a whole new level.
Easy Preparation: This recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals or those who are new to the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this slice in no time. Perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a tasty snack, it’s a versatile dish that suits any occasion.
Play with Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Feel free to customise this slice to suit your taste buds. Add a sprinkle of feta or goats cheese for extra indulgence or toss in some extra herbs or chilli flakes to find your perfect flavour combination.
Meal Prep Friendly: This slice is a meal prep hero. Prepare a batch in advance, slice into portions, and you’ll have a ready-made snack or light meal ready to go!
This Zucchini and Bacon Slice is simple easy cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can treat yourself to a flavourful, homemade delight. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of zucchini and bacon fill your kitchen!
Step-by-step
This easy-peasy zucchini slice is so simple and quick to make. Below are the steps to guide you through. Most recipes out there don’t cook the bacon – this is the secret to getting such a glorious depth of flavour to the slice, along with the addition of garlic.
Expert tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Look for firm zucchinis without any soft spots, and select bacon with a good balance of meat and fat.
- Add a Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a hint of heat, consider adding a pinch of dried chilli flakes or fresh sliced chillies to the mixture.
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Go beyond the basics and experiment with different cheese varieties. Gouda, feta, or goats cheese can introduce unique flavours and textures.
- Add Other Vegetables: Try adding grated carrot, pumpkin or sweet potato, canned corn kernels or chopped fresh beans or snow peas for added nutrition, colour and texture.
- Cook Bacon Before Adding to the Mixture: For that perfect crispy texture and enhanced flavour, cook the bacon before incorporating it into the mixture. (A lot of recipes don’t do this).
- Monitor Baking Time : Keep a close eye on your slice while it’s baking. Cooking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. The goal is a golden-brown top with a slightly firm texture. Insert a toothpick into the centre, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your slice is ready.
Serving suggestions
This zucchini slice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some great serving suggestions for you to try:
- Brunch or Breakfast:
- Serve the slice as the main dish for brunch or breakfast.
- Accompany it with a side of fresh fruit or avocado, for a balanced meal.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for a creamy touch.
- Lunchbox Option:
- Cut the slice into squares or slices and pack them in lunchboxes for a tasty and portable meal.
- Salad Topper:
- Cut into smaller pieces and use them as a topping for a green salad.
- Sandwich Filling:
- Use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Finger Food:
- Cut the slice into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food at parties or gatherings. Pair it with a dipping sauce like a tomato relish, jam or chutney.
- Side Dish:
- Serve the slice as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Jazz It Up:
- Drizzle with some caramelised balsamic or pesto to add an extra layer of taste and jazz!
❄️ Storage
FRIDGE:
Allow to cool completely after baking. Refrigerate it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odours from the fridge. For convenience, cut the slice into individual portions before refrigerating. This makes it easy to grab a single serve on the run. Use within 4 days.
FREEZE:
Let the slice cool completely before wrapping indvidual portions tightly in plastic wrap. For added protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped slices in a zip-lock bag. Label, date and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating or it can also be served cold.
TO REHEAT:
When reheating, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 180°C). Unwrap the slice and place it on a lined baking tray. Heat it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. Alternately, it may be microwaved but it can result in a slightly soggy texture.
Amazing Zucchini & Bacon Slice
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 rashers bacon, rind removed and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 zucchinis, coarsely grated
- 3 spring/green onions, finely sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (choose from basil, parley, dill or chives or a mixture of them)
- 1 cup grated tasty cheese
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup light olive oil (you can also use rice bran or grapeseed etc)
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180℃ (160℃ fan forced). Lightly grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper.
- Heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for a further 5 minutes or until the bacon is golden brown in colour. Remove pan from heat and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, place the zucchini, spring/green onions, cheese, flour, herbs and salt and pepper into a large bowl. Using clean hands, mix to combine alternately use a spoon (I find it easier to use hands for this step).
- Whisk the eggs and oil in a separate bowl until combined. Pour it over the zucchini mix and add the cooled bacon mixture. Stir well with a spatula or spoon until throughly combined.
- Pour the zucchini mixture into the prepared slice pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cut side up, over the surface, pushing in gently to secure. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through. Set aside on a wire rack to cool before serving. You can serve hot, warm or cool. Cut into squares or bars to serve. Serve as desired (see Serving Suggestions above in the post for ideas).
Notes
- COOKS NOTES:
Oven Temps: Oven temperatures are for conventional, if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml & 1 cup = 250 ml.
Herbs: All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed.
Vegetables: All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
Eggs: We use extra-large size and eggs are 55-60 g each, unless specified.
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- Zucchini & Sweet Corn Fritters
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- Salmon & Potato Cakes with Lemon Aioli Mayonnaise
- Deep-Dish Roasted Vegetable Quiche (With Fillo)
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