Description
Cheesy zucchini casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinners with its hearty blend of fresh vegetables and melted cheese. Creamy layers and crisp breadcrumb topping make this dish a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups zucchini, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Eggs:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Slice the zucchini into uniform thin rounds, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together eggs until smooth, then incorporate sour cream, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Fold in grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion into the egg mixture, blending until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the zucchini and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Crush the crackers into fine crumbs, then mix with melted butter until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs across the top of the zucchini mixture, creating a crisp, golden topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface turns a rich golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a crispy, firm texture.
- Use low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version without compromising taste.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or monterey jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Replace crackers with gluten-free options or toasted breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg