Description
Cheesy zucchini casserole turns simple vegetables into a rich, baked side dish. Melted cheese and tender zucchini come together for a comforting family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly, then set the oven to warm at 375F (190C).
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Combine sliced zucchini with the caramelized onion and garlic mixture, mixing in both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with half of the grated Parmesan.
- Season the vegetable and cheese blend with dried thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Whisk eggs and heavy cream together until smooth, then pour the creamy mixture over the zucchini and cheese combination, ensuring even distribution.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the top, creating a crispy golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Notes
- Cut zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery dish and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter version that reduces calories without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or goat cheese to create unique taste profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 318 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg