Discover a delightful combination of zucchini, cheese, and crescent roll dough in this Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this savory pie is easy to make and full of flavor. Join us as we guide you through preparing this comforting dish step-by-step, along with tips to customize and enhance its taste.
Ingredients
Prepare the following ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie:
- 2 (8 oz each) cans crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 lbs zucchini (about 4 medium), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough:
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom completely. Press seams together to seal.
- Cook the Zucchini Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add thinly sliced zucchini, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried thyme to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, baking powder, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Combine and Bake:
- Spread the cooked zucchini mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Pour the egg and cheese batter evenly over the zucchini mixture, spreading it to cover.
- Top with Crescent Dough:
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the pie, stretching to cover. Press seams together to seal.
- Bake the Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Tips
- Slicing Zucchini: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice the zucchini for even cooking.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina to change the flavor profile of the pie.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pie up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Variations
Vegetarian Option:
- Omit the Parmesan and use vegetarian-friendly cheeses. Add spinach or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
Meat Lover’s Twist:
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham to the zucchini mixture for a heartier pie.
Gluten-Free Adaptation:
- Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie pairs well with:
- A side salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing.
- Fresh fruit or sliced tomatoes for a light and balanced meal.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I freeze Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie?
Yes, you can freeze this pie. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil and thyme with 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh basil and thyme.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Cheesy Zucchini Crescent Pie is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of cheeses, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, and savor the comforting flavors it brings to your table
