🥒 High-Protein Cheesy Zucchini Tomato Bake

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 3 young zucchini, sliced
• 3–4 tomatoes, sliced
• 200g (about 2 cups) shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda
• Salt, to taste
• 7 tbsp sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (or to taste)

💪 Protein Boost Add-In (Recommended)

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)
  OR
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  OR
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (for a full meal version)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish (9×9 or similar size).
3. Layer vegetables:
   Arrange zucchini slices in the bottom. Lightly salt.
   Layer tomato slices on top. Lightly salt again.
4. Make creamy mixture:
   In a bowl, mix sour cream, garlic, smoked paprika, and (if using) blended cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
5. Assemble:
   Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the vegetables.
   Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
6. Bake 25–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
   Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning if desired.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving (helps it set).

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💪 Approximate Macros (Per Serving – with cottage cheese added)

• Calories: ~260–300
• Protein: 18–22g
• Carbs: 8–10g
• Fat: 18g