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