Savory Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful zucchini casserole that promises to become your new favorite side dish.

Seasonal vegetables blend seamlessly with melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal everyone will adore.

Fresh zucchini from local gardens brings incredible depth to this simple recipe.

Creamy textures and golden-brown tops make this dish irresistibly appealing to both picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each delectable bite, showcasing how humble vegetables can transform into something spectacular.

Grab a fork and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen!

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Must-Knows

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Packed with Nutrition: Combining lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and hearty orzo creates a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: The recipe blends mild, kid-approved ingredients with subtle Mediterranean spices, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious meal without complex taste profiles.
• Quick Comfort in a Single Pot: Minimal prep and cooking time means you can go from kitchen to dining table with a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like a home-cooked classic.

Ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that provides the base and primary texture for the casserole.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds protein.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and moisture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that provide deep flavor and melty goodness to the casserole.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds a savory depth to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy topping that creates a golden and crunchy exterior.

How to Prepare Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some cheesy magic.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Home

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or light butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create The Zucchini Base

• Fresh zucchini slices
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Diced onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks super creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese Goodness

• Sharp cheddar
• Parmesan cheese

Keep a sprinkle of each cheese for the crispy topping later.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the zucchini mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly with love.

Step 6: Craft A Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Reserved cheese sprinkles

Generously scatter this golden mixture across the top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Success

• Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or gruyère for unique flavor profiles that complement the zucchini perfectly.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham to boost protein and create a more substantial main dish for meat lovers.
• Keep leftovers fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Mediterranean Zucchini Bake: Add diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern version.
• Herbed Garden Veggie Casserole: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, thyme, and add diced bell peppers for a vibrant vegetable-packed rendition.
• Protein-Packed Zucchini Casserole: Fold in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken to transform the dish into a hearty main course.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Pair this cheesy zucchini casserole with roasted chicken breasts for a complete, hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Vegetarian Delight: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a light and refreshing complement to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece by adding crispy bacon bits on top and serving with fresh toast and mimosas.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, where it can be enjoyed as a delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Store the cheesy zucchini casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the casserole in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and Parmesan with mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Slice zucchini thinly and gently pat them dry with paper towels before mixing to reduce excess moisture in the dish.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This cheesy zucchini casserole is vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets without any meat ingredients.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy zucchini casserole melds garden-fresh vegetables with creamy, melted cheese in a comforting midwestern classic. Hearty layers of zucchini, cheese, and herbs create a satisfying dish you’ll crave at family gatherings and potlucks.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. Slice zucchini into uniform pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
4. Whisk eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and light, creating a binding foundation for the casserole.
5. Incorporate sour cream, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the egg mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Fold in most of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, reserving a small portion for the crispy topping.
7. Carefully transfer the zucchini mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer to promote uniform cooking.
8. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and the reserved cheese in a separate bowl, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
9. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the zucchini base, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the texture and makes serving easier.
12. Serve warm, showcasing the dish’s creamy interior and crisp, cheesy topping.

Notes

• Enhance the zucchini’s flavor by salting and draining it beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
• Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles and added depth.
• Boost nutrition by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the base mixture.
• For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed almond flour or gluten-free crackers to maintain the crispy topping texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 262 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg