Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole Recipe

Sizzling Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a delightful cheesy squash, zucchini, and corn casserole brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Summer’s bounty transforms into a creamy, golden masterpiece that beckons with irresistible charm.

Local farmers’ markets overflow with these vibrant vegetables, inspiring culinary magic.

Each forkful promises a blend of soft textures and rich, melted cheese that dances across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients mingle harmoniously, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Crisp corn kernels and tender zucchini provide a delectable backdrop for the molten cheese blanket.

We promise this casserole will become your new favorite weeknight dinner companion.

Cheesy Squash Zucchini Corn Casserole That Sings

  • Veggie-Packed Comfort: Transforms seasonal summer produce into a creamy, satisfying side dish that sneaks extra vegetables onto your plate.
  • Quick Weeknight Hero: Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep steps, making it a stress-free meal solution for busy families.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works perfectly as a hearty side dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties, appealing to both kids and adults with its cheesy, golden-brown topping.
  • No-Fuss Cooking Method: Requires basic kitchen skills and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

Ingredients For Cheesy Veggie Casserole Delight

Main Vegetables:
  • Squash: Fresh vegetable that provides a soft and tender base for the casserole.
  • Zucchini: Mild-flavored vegetable that adds moisture and texture to the dish.
  • Corn: Sweet vegetable that brings a burst of flavor and golden color.
  • Onion: Aromatic vegetable that enhances the overall savory profile.
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the casserole and adds richness.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that contributes to the smooth and creamy texture.
  • Eggs: Essential binding agent that helps hold the casserole together.
  • Butter: Melted fat that adds depth of flavor and helps with browning.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty dairy ingredient that provides a gooey and flavorful topping.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Salt: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Spice that adds a subtle heat and depth to the casserole.
  • Ritz Crackers: Crunchy topping that provides a crispy texture and buttery flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid used for boiling vegetables to add extra flavor and moisture.

Cheesy Veggie Casserole Steps For Family Dinners

Cheesy Veggie Casserole Steps For Family Dinners

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Soften Vegetables

Boil the vegetables in chicken broth until they become tender and full of flavor.

Your ingredients include:
  • Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Onion

Drain the vegetables completely after cooking for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Vegetable Base

Combine the cooked vegetables with additional ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Corn
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold in shredded cheese, mixing thoroughly to distribute the cheesy flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 6: Transfer and Top

Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly across the top for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to dish out.

Tips For Cheesy Casserole Every Bite Counts

  • Ensure all excess liquid is removed to prevent a watery casserole and maintain the perfect creamy texture.
  • Sauté onions before adding to the mixture to enhance their natural sweetness and add a rich, caramelized note.
  • Lightly toast Ritz crackers before crushing to intensify their buttery flavor and create an extra crispy golden crust.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish completely vegetarian-friendly while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.

New Ways To Change Up Cheesy Casserole

  • Vegan Veggie Bake: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap eggs with ground flaxseed, use vegan mayonnaise, and substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Casserole: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour if needed.
  • Herb-Infused Summer Vegetable Casserole: Add fresh chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance flavor, incorporate roasted garlic for depth, and sprinkle additional herbs on top before baking.

Plate Cheesy Veggie Casserole With Creativity

  • Garden Party Platter: Serve this colorful casserole alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin for a vibrant summer meal that showcases fresh vegetable flavors.
  • Picnic Perfect Side: Pack cooled casserole slices in individual containers for a delightful outdoor lunch that pairs wonderfully with cold fried chicken or deli sandwiches.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Add this cheesy vegetable dish to your weekend breakfast spread, complementing scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty morning feast.
  • Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this golden, bubbling casserole to community gatherings, where its creamy texture and crispy cracker topping will have everyone asking for seconds.

Store Cheesy Veggie Casserole For Easy Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Place date and contents label on container for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent crackers from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy topping.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, it contains chicken broth. You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-fat sour cream, and consider using whole wheat crackers instead of Ritz crackers to increase nutritional value.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep them crispy.

Print
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Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Summertime garden vegetables shine in this mouthwatering Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole, blending fresh seasonal produce with creamy, melted cheese. Southern comfort meets fresh farm flavors, delivering a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 cups yellow squash (1/4-inch thick)
  • 4 cups zucchini (1/4-inch thick)
  • 2 cups cooked corn
  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped sweet or yellow onion

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Seasonings and Topping:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables by simmering squash, zucchini, and onion in chicken broth until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 10 minutes, then thoroughly drain excess liquid.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the cooked vegetables with corn, creating a harmonious blend of garden-fresh ingredients.
  3. Incorporate mayonnaise, sour cream, and eggs into the vegetable mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
  4. Gently fold in melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  5. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring meticulously to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer the vegetable and cheese medley.
  7. Delicately sprinkle a layer of crushed Ritz crackers across the surface, creating a crisp and golden topping.
  8. Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for a few minutes before serving, helping the ingredients set and flavors meld.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess liquid from boiled squash and zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use gluten-free crackers to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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