This quick, easy, and healthy Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a simple dinner option, this slice fits the bill. Its versatility means you can serve it hot or cold, making it an ideal choice for kids’ lunch boxes. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal prep rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Featuring zucchini and turkey bacon, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot straight from the oven or cold as a snack throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for lunch boxes—kids will love the cheesy flavor and fun texture!
- Freezer-Friendly: Make extra slices and freeze them for a convenient meal option later.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9 x 9 in / 23 x 23 cm)
- Grater
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Grater: Quickly prepares your vegetables while keeping them evenly shredded for better texture.
- Mixing bowl: Allows ample space to combine all your ingredients without spills.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 Zucchini, grated
– 1 Carrot, grated
– 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
– 1 Brown / Yellow Onion, diced
– 2 Turkey Bacon Slices / Rashers, diced
– 1/2 Red Capsicum / Bell Pepper, diced
– 5 Eggs, lightly whisked
– 1/4 cup Milk
– 1 cup Self-Raising Flour
– 1 1/4 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
– Salt and Pepper, to taste
How to Make Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180C / 350F. Line your baking dish with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Grate the zucchini and carrot into a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
Step 3: Cook Onion and Turkey Bacon
In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and turkey bacon. Cook until golden brown, stirring regularly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Squeeze as much excess moisture out of the zucchini and carrot as possible. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed vegetables with diced capsicum, cooked onion, turkey bacon, 1 cup of cheese, and flour. Stir until well mixed. Add eggs, milk, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper; stir again to combine thoroughly.
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking tray. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through and firm to touch. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve.
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice!
How to Serve Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
The Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this slice is versatile enough to fit any meal occasion.
Breakfast Option
- Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a nutritious start to your day.
- Pair with sliced avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Lunchbox Treat
- Cut into small squares and pack in lunchboxes for a healthy snack.
- Include cherry tomatoes or carrot sticks on the side for additional crunch.
Dinner Accompaniment
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Picnic Favorite
- Pack slices in an airtight container for a perfect picnic treat.
- Complement with some fresh fruit to round out the meal.
After-School Snack
- Offer cold slices to kids after school as a nutritious snack option.
- Serve with hummus or tzatziki for dipping.
How to Perfect Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
To achieve the best results with your Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice, follow these simple tips. They will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Choose fresh ingredients – Using fresh zucchini and turkey bacon will elevate the overall taste.
- Squeeze out moisture – Ensure you remove excess moisture from zucchini and carrot to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste the mixture before baking; feel free to add more salt or pepper if desired.
- Use quality cheese – Opting for sharp cheddar can enhance the flavor profile of your slice.
- Cool before cutting – Let the slice rest before cutting it into squares for cleaner edges.
- Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
Pairing side dishes with your Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli provides nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes complement the soft texture of the slice.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and zest, balancing the savory slice.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad pairs well, providing additional fiber.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread offers a delightful contrast to the slice’s softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not squeezing moisture: Failing to squeeze the excess moisture from the grated zucchini and carrot can result in a soggy slice. Always remove as much liquid as possible before mixing.
- Ignoring egg consistency: Using unwhisked eggs can lead to uneven texture. Lightly whisk your eggs to ensure they blend smoothly into the mixture.
- Overbaking or underbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your slice, while not baking enough may leave it raw. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season properly with salt and pepper can make your dish bland. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Using stale ingredients: Old or stale cheese or flour can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil; store in an airtight container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
- Oven: Preheat to 180C/350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice.
Can I substitute turkey bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon or even vegetarian bacon if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I customize my Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice?
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out cheeses for different flavors!
What should I serve with this dish?
This slice pairs beautifully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has leavening agents included.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total preparation time is about 50 minutes, including cooking time. Perfect for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
The Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it an excellent option for any meal throughout the day. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice is a delightful, healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This savory slice combines the fresh flavors of zucchini with the crispy texture of turkey bacon, making it both nutritious and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to serve warm or cold, making it an excellent addition to lunch boxes for kids or a quick snack option throughout the week. With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy families looking to enjoy wholesome meals without sacrificing flavor. Packed with protein and veggies, this Zucchini and Turkey Bacon Slice can easily become a staple in your meal prep rotation!
Ingredients
- 2 Zucchini, grated
- 1 Carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 Turkey Bacon Slices, diced
- 5 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 cup Self-Raising Flour
- 1 1/4 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Line a baking dish (9 x 9 inches) with baking paper.
- Grate zucchini and carrot into a colander; sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion and turkey bacon until golden brown; set aside to cool.
- Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini and carrot. In a mixing bowl, combine squeezed vegetables with capsicum, cooked onion, turkey bacon, cheese, flour, eggs, milk, remaining oil, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until firm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (105g)
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 345mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like parsley or basil. You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or plant-based alternatives if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
