01 -
First things first, get those zucchinis grated. I use a box grater, the large holes work best. Once they’re grated, here’s my personal trick: sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. Then, grab handfuls and squeeze out as much water as you can. This is critical, honestly! If you don't, your Homestyle Zucchini Slice will be soggy, and nobody wants that. I learned this the hard way with a watery, sad slice once.
02 -
Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion. Let it soften for a few minutes until it's translucent and smells sweet – that's when you know it's ready. If you're using bacon, add it in with the onion and cook until crispy. Drain off any excess fat. This step builds a lovely flavor base for your Homestyle Zucchini Slice; skipping it makes a noticeable difference, I found.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, crack your eggs. Give them a good whisk until they’re lightly beaten. This is where you want to make sure they're well combined, no stray whites! Add the olive oil and give it another quick whisk. It’s simple, but this step is key to a cohesive mixture for your Homestyle Zucchini Slice. I once didn't whisk enough and had eggy streaks, oops!
04 -
Now, add your self-rising flour to the egg mixture, along with the salt and pepper. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in your squeezed zucchini, grated cheese, and the sautéed onion and bacon (if using). Stir until everything is evenly distributed. You want it just combined, not overworked, or the slice can get tough, which I learned after vigorously stirring a previous batch.
05 -
Pour your Homestyle Zucchini Slice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. I sometimes give the dish a little tap on the counter to settle it. Pop it into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and when a skewer inserted comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling amazing around this point, trust me!
06 -
Once it’s golden and cooked through, take your Homestyle Zucchini Slice out of the oven. This is the hardest part: let it cool in the dish for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. If you try to cut it too soon, it might fall apart a bit, and that’s a real shame after all your hard work! I've been there, impatient and left with crumbs. It firms up beautifully as it cools, making for nice, clean slices. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!