Cheesy Zucchini Medallions

Zucchini medallions are an easy way to turn a few simple ingredients into a quick and satisfying dish. Thick zucchini slices are topped with tomato sauce, oregano, and plenty of shredded cheese, and finished with salami and ham. Everything goes into the oven for just 15 minutes, so there is very little preparation and hardly any waiting around. You can enjoy them as an appetizer, or a side dish during lunch.

What Are Zucchini Medallions?

Zucchini itself has a much older story. The plant belongs to the squash family and ultimately traces its origins to the Americas. The zucchini commonly eaten today is particularly associated with Italian cooking, where varieties of “Cucurbita pepo” were developed and popularised. The name “zucchini” comes from Italian, meaning a small squash.

Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Medallions

• Pick a zucchini that feels firm and looks fresh, without soft patches or major blemishes.
• Avoid turning the zucchini into paper-thin discs. Slices around 1-1.5 cm thick give you a sturdy base for the fillings and are less likely to become overly soft during baking.
• A little sauce goes a long way here. Spread a thin layer over each slice rather than piling it on, otherwise, the medallions can become unnecessarily wet.
• There is no rule saying every slice has to be identical. Keep some with cheese only, add salami to others, and ham to another batch to give you several options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these zucchini medallions without meat?

Simply leave out the salami and ham and top the zucchini with tomato sauce, oregano and cheese. The plain version makes a particularly easy vegetarian dish. You can also add vegetables such as finely chopped peppers, mushrooms or onions if you want additional toppings.

Can I use jarred tomato sauce?

Jarred tomato sauce is perfectly suitable for this recipe and is a reason these medallions are so quick to prepare. Choose a sauce with a flavor you enjoy, since there are only a handful of ingredients and each one is noticeable.

Can I make these zucchini medallions spicy?

Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle them over the cheese before baking. A little freshly ground black pepper can also give the medallions extra character without making them particularly hot.

Are zucchini medallions suitable as a main course?

They can be, particularly for a light lunch or dinner, but the recipe as written is more naturally suited to an appetizer, side dish or snack. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a salad, roasted potatoes, rice or another filling side.

How to Store Any Leftovers

They are best eaten within a couple of days, so keep them chilled rather than leaving them at room temperature. When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Also, zucchini contains plenty of water, and freezing and thawing can make it softer. For this reason, these are better prepared fresh or refrigerated for short-term leftovers.

How to Make Zucchini Medallions

Step 1

Step 1

Start by removing the top end of the zucchini, then cut the vegetable into round slices. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Start by removing the top end of the zucchini, then cut the vegetable into round slices. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 2

Step 2

Add tomato sauce onto each zucchini and spread it with the back of the spoon. Then sprinkle dry oregano and shredded cheese over the tomato-covered zucchini.

Add tomato sauce onto each zucchini and spread it with the back of the spoon. Then sprinkle dry oregano and shredded cheese over the tomato-covered zucchini.

Step 3

Step 3

For the topping variations, add pieces of salami to some medallions and ham to others.

For the topping variations, add pieces of salami to some medallions and ham to others.

Step 4

Step 4

Transfer the tray to a preheated oven and bake at 180°C/360°F for 15 minutes.

Transfer the tray to a preheated oven and bake at 180°C/360°F for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Transfer them to a serving plate and serve warm. Enjoy!

Transfer them to a serving plate and serve warm. Enjoy!