Dreamy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful cheesy zucchini casserole brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Summer’s abundant harvest transforms into a creamy, golden masterpiece that surprises even veggie skeptics.

Fresh garden zucchini mingles with melted cheese, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that everyone will love.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble this dish faster than ordering takeout.

Each forkful promises a warm, gooey experience that celebrates seasonal vegetables in the most delicious way possible.

Let’s turn those zucchinis into a crowd-pleasing meal you won’t be able to resist.

Why This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Stands Out

• Savor Vegetable Delight: Transform ordinary zucchini into a mouthwatering, cheese-packed casserole that makes vegetables irresistibly delicious for everyone.
• Craft Simple Comfort Food: Whip up a creamy, cheesy dish with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks seeking an easy yet impressive meal.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Create a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines nutritious zucchini with rich, melted cheeses, guaranteed to win over both kids and adults at dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses or adding herbs, making it a versatile dish for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Needed for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Zucchini: Fresh summer squash that provides the primary vegetable base for this comforting casserole.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy texture and adds tangy flavor to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a delicious melty topping with layers of sharp, mild, and nutty cheese flavors.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch to the dish.

Make Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare The Cooking Space

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create A Flavor-Packed Mixing Base

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Zucchini With Creamy Mixture

Add zucchini slices into the creamy mixture.

Gently toss until each slice is evenly covered with the seasoned cream.

Step 4: Build The First Cheese Layer

Spread half of the zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Complete The Casserole Layers

Add the remaining zucchini mixture on top.

Cover completely with the remaining cheese blend.

Step 6: Add Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Evenly distribute the buttery breadcrumbs across the entire casserole surface.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Smart Hints for Zucchini Casserole Perfection

• Pat zucchini slices with paper towels to remove water, preventing a soggy casserole and ensuring a crisp, golden top.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Swiss, Gruyère, or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste experiences.
• Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crunch.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley before baking to add bright, aromatic notes and elevate the dish's complexity.

Cheesy Zucchini Versions to Test Out

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace zucchini with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, using almond milk instead of sour cream to create a plant-based casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Add chopped fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to the egg mixture, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked ground turkey or chicken before layering to transform the casserole into a complete meal with added protein and nutrition.

What Goes Well With Zucchini Casserole

• Garden Fresh Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette for a balanced, nutritious meal that complements the creamy casserole.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or sliced baked salmon on top of or next to the casserole to create a complete protein-packed dinner that satisfies hunger.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch star by serving with poached eggs and fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an elegant morning presentation.
• Comfort Side Kick: Pair with roasted garlic bread or warm crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious cheesy zucchini goodness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

• Is zucchini the main vegetable in this casserole?

Yes, zucchini is the primary vegetable ingredient, creating a creamy and cheesy dish that highlights its fresh flavor and tender texture.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like Gruyère, provolone, or Swiss based on your preference.

• How do the breadcrumbs contribute to the dish?

The panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a crispy, golden topping that adds a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the soft, cheesy zucchini underneath.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy zucchini casserole brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables. Simple ingredients blend into a creamy, satisfying dish that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking eggs with sour cream, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smoothly blended.
3. Gently fold zucchini slices into the seasoned mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Distribute half of the zucchini mixture evenly across the greased baking dish, creating the first layer.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over the initial zucchini layer, covering the entire surface.
6. Carefully add the remaining zucchini mixture on top of the cheese layer, creating a second complete layer.
7. Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining cheese blend, ensuring full coverage.
8. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then evenly scatter the buttery crumb mixture across the casserole’s surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and crisp.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps set the texture and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Pat zucchini dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and not soggy casserole.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds for a low-carb and keto-friendly topping alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or goat cheese to add unique flavor dimensions to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 393
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg