Zucchini Bacon Slice: The Sneaky Veggie Recipe That Won Over My Bacon-Obsessed Family

I must admit that I was a bit skeptical at first when I first heard about Australian friends Sarah first spoke of her family’s favourite “zucchini bacon slices.” As a parent of a household in which bacon is the most common food group, and vegetables need significant convincing, the idea of mixing the two into what is known as”a “slice” seemed… uneasy. However, after she served a pan at the neighborhood potluck and watched my kids eat the food without even realizing there was zucchini in the dish, I knew that I needed to try this recipe.

What transpired next changed our family’s view of vegetables for good. The bacon-slice of zucchini turned out to be the recipe that proved vegetables can be as delicious as comfort food. Bacon adds that irresistible smokey flavor, and the zucchini provides a soft, custard-like texture that is unlike typical vegetable dishes.

Six months after, this bacon slice has turned into our favorite ingredient to use for anything from brunch parties and school lunches. My daughter even requests it as a birthday breakfast and my husband, who once said that vegetable were “just decoration”–now creates it by himself whenever I travel to work.

Why This Zucchini Bacon Slice Actually Works for Real Families

This is what makes this zucchini bacon slice distinct from other “sneak vegetables in the diet of your loved ones” recipe I’ve tried. It does not taste like you’re trying to fool anyone. The bacon doesn’t exist to hide the zucchini. they complement each other perfectly to make something fresh and delicious.

It’s truly enjoyable. This isn’t some unhealthy and sad alternative that makes people hungry for the next twenty minutes. The combination of eggs, cheese and bacon makes an extremely protein-rich meal that keeps everyone satisfied and content. The zucchini provides the moisture and substance, without leaving any unpleasant flavor of the vegetable.

Breakfast lunch, dinner or even breakfast Flexibility. I’ve served this zucchini bacon slice at brunch events as well as packed it in the lunch bags, and used it as the centerpiece of easy weeknight meals with simple salad. It can be served hot or warm, and can be served at ambient temperature, which makes it extremely versatile.

Kids-approved consumption of vegetables. My children have no idea they’re eating 2 entire cups of zucchini in each slice. The veggies disappear completely into the custardy base giving this amazing texture that is more indulgent than being healthy.

Magical make-ahead. This zucchini bacon slice actually gets better over the course of time because the flavors combine. I usually make it on in the evening on a Saturday and serve it at Sunday brunch. You can also prepare it for Sunday night to make easy for breakfast during the week.

The key to this bacon-like zucchini slice lies in the method of getting the zucchini out of its. The excess moisture will make the dish too spongy, but when you do it correctly it creates this deliciously satisfying dish that happens be full of vegetables.

The Ultimate Zucchini Bacon Slice Recipe

Serves between 8 and 10 people (or creates approximately sixteen squares)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis finely chopped (about about 4 cups)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (for the draining of zucchini)
• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1-cup self-rising gluten (or one cup of all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1.5 cups cheddar sharp cheese grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped herbs (parsley, chopped chives, or dill)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon 1 teaspoon of paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare the zucchini correctly This step is essential for a perfect bacon slice of zucchini. Grease the zucchini into a fine grate and mix with salt in the large colander. It should sit for about 15 minutes before you squeeze a handful of zucchini as hard as you can to get rid of the excess moisture. In fact try to squeeze until your hands are numb. This will prevent the slice from becoming soggy.

I have learned this through trial and error when my first attempt resulted in zucchini soup. The salt pulls out the water by squeezing it away completely.

Step 2 2. Prepare the bacon bases Set your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook bacon dices in a large pan over medium heat until crisp approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon using the help of a spoon. Leave approximately two tablespoons of grease inside the pan.

Third step: Establish the flavor base Add diced onions to bacon fat and cook for 4-5 mins until tender and slightly golden. Add minced garlic, and cook for a further minute or so until fragrant. This creates the savory base that is what makes this zucchini bacon slice delicious.

step 4: Make the magic mix A large mixing bowl mix eggs with olive oil until they are well mixed. Add self-rising flour and stir until it is smooth. Add the squeezing zucchini cooked bacon and onion mixture, as well as fresh herbs, both cheeses black pepper, and the paprika.

As per the Food Network’s recipe guide to baking savory the secret to recipes like this bacon slice of zucchini is balancing dry and wet ingredients to create the perfect texture.

5. Bake until perfect golden brown Pour the batter into the baking dish that you prepared and evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and set in the middle. A knife inserted into the middle should be free of any dirt.

6. Allow it to rest and then cut it into slices. It’s the most difficult portion–let the slice of zucchini bacon cool for minimum 10 minutes before cutting. The slice will continue to set as it cools. Cutting too soon can result in a messy piece that breaks.

Cut into pieces and serve warm. let it cool completely to allow for easy transport to potlucks or picnics.

Creative Variations for Your Zucchini Bacon Slice

The lighter version: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Also, reduce olive oil to 1/4 cup. Add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to provide moisture. This version of zucchini bacon slice is approximately 30% fewer calories, but still retains the taste.

The Veggie-Packed Powerhouse Include 1/2 c of finely diced bell peppers as well as corn kernels. The additional vegetables give color, nutrients and sweetness that compliments the bacon perfectly in this deliciously enhanced slices of zucchini.

The spicy kick: Add 1-2 finely diced jalapenos to onion, or blend 1 teaspoon red pepper flake in the batter. The spice blends wonderfully with the soft zucchini and the rich bacon.

The Herb Garden Special: Experiment with different fresh herb combinations like basil and oregano for Italian flavor or rosemary and thyme to create more earthy zucchini bacon slice that’s great for fall brunches.

Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Bacon Slice (From My Kitchen Experiments)

Make sure you squeeze the zucchini like your life relies upon the outcome. I cannot overemphasize this action. Make use of a fresh kitchen towel when your hands become exhausted, but squeeze each drop. Wet zucchini is a soggy slice which nobody wants.

Do not miss the resting period. I know it’s tempting to cut the bacon slices of zucchini right away however, patience is the best way to go. The texture will improve dramatically when it cools and is set correctly.

Bacon fat makes a goldmine of flavor. Don’t drain all bacon fat. The 2 tablespoons that you keep in the pan will add a fantastic taste to your onions, and ultimately the whole dish.

Cheese distribution is crucial. Mix the cheeses thoroughly into the batter instead of just sprinkled on the top. This results in pockets of melted cheese in the entire bite bacon zucchini slice.

Prepare it in advance for greater flavour. This dish is much better when it’s the following day. The flavors blend over time, creating a sophisticated, refined flavor that is worth the long wait.

Storage smart. Wrap leftover squares separately in plastic wrap for ideal lunchbox portions or keep the entire pan in a fridge for up to five days.

Nutritional Benefits of This Veggie-Packed Slice

Although it is extremely indulgent in taste the bacon slice of zucchini has a high nutritional value. Each slice provides around 2-3 servings of vegetables and excellent protein sources from bacon and eggs.

Zucchini naturally contains Vitamin C, potassium as well as folate, and is very light on calories. USDA nutrition data illustrates that zucchini also contains antioxidants such as Zeaxanthin and lutein that aid in maintaining the health of your eyes.

Eggs are a source of total protein, vitamin D and choline, which is essential for brain health. The cheese provides calcium to strengthen bones. Bacon also contains vitamin B and protein which makes this slice of zucchini bacon an energizing dish, not as its comfort food-like taste could suggest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to substitute yellow squash for zucchini in this recipe? Absolutely! The yellow squash is delicious and provides the similar moist texture. It is possible to use the combination of yellow squash and zucchini for a splash of colour. Make sure you wash and salt the squash you choose to use. The moisture removal method is crucial regardless of the varieties.

What can I do with the any leftover zucchini bacon slices? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s delicious cold at the room temperature or heated. To store it longer make individual squares, wrap them in plastic and store them in the freezer for three months or more. Thaw for a few hours in the fridge prior to serving.

Could I turn this bacon cut gluten free? Yes! Replace the self-rising flour using the gluten-free flour blend and baking powder. I’ve had good results with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour. The texture is a bit different, but it’s nevertheless delicious.

What happens if there isn’t any self-rising wheat? No problem! Make use of 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and half teaspoon salt. This gives an identical leavening impact as provides the bacon-like zucchini slice its ideal texture.

Your Zucchini Adventure Starts Here

It’s a great feeling discovering recipes that make the vegetables go off of your plates in the most effective way. This slice of zucchini bacon has shown me that the key to making families consume more vegetables isn’t hiding them from view or obscuring them, but rather about mixing them with the flavors that allow them to shine.

The appeal of this recipe is its flexibility. Perhaps your family members love extra cheese, or maybe you’re looking to try different herbs in your garden. The principle remains the same, however you can modify the flavor to fit your family’s preferences precisely.

Don’t be surprised if it will become your most-used potluck recipe for brunch, a centerpiece for your table, or an the perfect emergency dinner option. I’ve yet to offer this zucchini bacon slice to anyone who hasn’t asked for the recipe, but I’ve convinced several vegetarians in the process.

I’d like to hear about your experiences with zucchini bacon slices! Upload images of your creations via social media, and let me know what other variations you’ve tried. Did you add different vegetables? Explore new cheese-based combinations? Find a unique recipe for serving it? The most delicious recipes for families are ones which change and adapt and I’m eager to see how you’ll make this recipe your own.