Mediterranean Savory Italian Baked Zucchini Scarpaccia

Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Zucchini Scarpaccia is a traditional Italian baked dish that highlights the natural sweetness of zucchini with a simple, savory batter. Thinly sliced zucchini is baked with eggs, Parmesan, olive oil, and herbs to create a light, golden, and flavorful dish. Perfect as a side for Mediterranean meals or a vegetarian main, it’s easy to prepare, healthy, and deliciously versatile.

Ingredients

3 medium zucchini (about 450 g), thinly sliced

3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil

3 large eggs

¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon (5 g) salt

½ teaspoon (2 g) black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional: fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with a little olive oil.

Prepare Zucchini

Thinly slice zucchini (about ⅛ inch thick). You can use a mandoline for uniform slices.

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until smooth.

Combine Zucchini and Batter

Gently fold the zucchini slices into the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Bake

Pour the zucchini and batter mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Garnish and Serve

Allow the Scarpaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light vegetarian main.

Tips & Variations

Zucchini Preparation:

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the zucchini thinly for even baking.

If zucchini is very watery, lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to avoid a soggy dish.

Cheese Options:

Parmesan gives a nutty, salty flavor, but you can substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

For a milder version, use mozzarella or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella.

Herbs and Seasonings:

Dried oregano is classic, but thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning blends work well.

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives can be added after baking for freshness.

Batter Variations:

Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or finely minced garlic for extra flavor.

For a lighter texture, replace 1 tablespoon of flour with almond flour or chickpea flour.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or Mediterranean mains.

Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or even chilled for a picnic-style dish.

Make-Ahead Tip:

Scarpaccia can be baked ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and enjoyed cold or warmed.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but thaw completely and squeeze out excess water before using to prevent a soggy Scarpaccia.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini mixed with yellow squash work well. Just ensure all slices are thin for even cooking.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mixture and keep it in the baking dish covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

Nutrition

(Per Serving – Approx. 1/6 of the dish)

Calories: 150 kcal

Protein: 7 g

Carbohydrates: 5 g

Sugars: 3 g

Fat: 11 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sodium: 300 mg

Reducing olive oil or cheese can lower calories and fat for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Savory Italian Baked Zucchini Scarpaccia is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that highlights zucchini with a golden, cheesy egg batter. Versatile and easy to prepare, it works perfectly as a side dish, light main, or even a brunch option. Its combination of tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory cheese makes it a delightful addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal.