Zucchini Flan: the effortless, savory recipe for your next meal

A flan is a dish made with a custard base (in other words, it contains eggs). It’s not much different from a quiche or tart, except that a flan isn’t usually made with a crust. This recipe for zucchini flan is easy to cook and makes a great appetizer or main dish. The perfect light dish for brunch or dinner when zucchini are in season.

It’s slightly savory (from the cheese) with crispy edges. Each bite is soft and jiggly, with just the right amount of texture. To make it, you will need zucchini, milk, eggs, cheese, scallions, and garlic. The zucchini is cooked and then covered with the egg mixture and baked. The dish is served at room temperature and can also be customized according to your liking by adding extra ingredients.

Tips

The zucchini flan can also be served in individual portions. Instead of making it in one large baking pan, make it in individual tart tins and reduce the baking time.

Other cheese types will work well with this dish, although it is recommended to include some cheddar for structure. You can also try adding feta cheese, goat’s cheese, or Gruyere.

The zucchini flan is a great way to use up the leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. Try any of the following vegetables: wilted spinach, steamed and chopped broccoli, roasted red peppers, sweetcorn, cubed carrots, or caramelized onion.

If you miss the meat, you can add cooked bacon, chopped ham, or shredded chicken or turkey.

To make zucchini flan ahead of time, you can assemble the dish, but not yet bake it. Keep it in the fridge for up to one day, and bake just before serving.

What To Serve With Zucchini Flan

Serve the zucchini as a side dish to a meaty main. Alternatively, you can serve it with a salad as a light, vegetarian meal.

How To Store Zucchini Flan

Store leftovers in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Zucchini Flan?

Because of the high water content of zucchini, it’s not recommended for freezing.

How To Make Zucchini Flan

Grease a 20x20cm square baking pan. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.

Cut zucchini into cubes.

Heat the pan with some olive oil and cook zucchini with some salt and pepper for around 5 minutes. Add garlic and scallions, and cook for 30 more seconds. Transfer into a medium-sized bowl.

Whisk 4 eggs with milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

Fold in zucchinis.

Mix in ¾ of shredded cheese.

Transfer the mixture into a prepared baking pan and top with leftover cheese.

Cook for 40 minutes, and leave to cool down slightly before slicing and serving.