Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe for Comfort Meals

Summer gardens overflow with zucchini, making this creamy cheesy zucchini casserole recipe a perfect solution for abundant green squash.

Tender zucchini slices meld beautifully with rich, melted cheese and herbs.

Fresh ingredients create a comforting dish that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

The casserole comes together easily with simple pantry staples and minimal prep work.

Baked until golden and bubbling, each forkful promises a delectable blend of vegetables and cheese.

You’ll love how this recipe transforms humble zucchini into a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears quickly from the dinner table.

Dive into this irresistible comfort food that celebrates summer’s most prolific vegetable.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole: Garden Goodness

• Whip Up Veggie Comfort: A delightful way to transform humble zucchini into a crowd-pleasing side dish that sneaks extra vegetables onto family plates with irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick swaps like different cheese types, adding herbs, or including protein for a more substantial meal that keeps cooking exciting and flexible.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple preparation steps mean you can assemble this casserole in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Creamy, cheesy texture and golden-brown top create a universal appeal that works beautifully for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings where everyone wants seconds.

Zucchini Casserole Ingredient List

• Zucchini: A mild summer squash that provides a tender base for the casserole.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty and salty depth to the casserole.
• Heavy Cream: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich, smooth consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spices that bring out the zucchini's natural flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that adds a crispy and golden texture to the casserole.
• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness.

How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and generously coat a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Season Zucchini

Cut zucchinis into delicate, thin rounds.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in the buttered baking dish.

Pour the decadent cheese mixture evenly over each layer, ensuring every slice gets coated with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole for a delightful crunchy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, which helps the layers set.

Slice and serve this comforting, cheesy delight while it’s still warm.

Tips for Creamy Zucchini Bakes

• Use paper towels to remove excess water from zucchini slices, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring a crisp texture.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Gruyère for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top for extra golden and crispy texture that adds delightful crunch.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme between layers to boost aromatic depth and freshness.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Zucchini Casserole Flavor Ideas

• Vegan Veggie Casserole: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and add plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Bake: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, use full-fat cream cheese, and include extra herbs for added flavor.
• Mediterranean Zucchini Gratin: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped spinach, sprinkle with oregano, and use olive oil instead of butter for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Mix in diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, top with crushed tortilla chips, and add cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick.

How to Present Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

• Garden Party Platter: Serve this cheesy zucchini casserole as a stunning side dish at summer gatherings, garnished with fresh basil leaves and accompanied by crisp white wine.
• Protein Pairing Power: Complement the casserole with grilled chicken breasts or baked salmon to create a complete, balanced meal that satisfies protein and vegetable requirements.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a delightful breakfast centerpiece by adding crispy bacon bits on top and serving alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty morning spread.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven, and enjoy as a quick lunch option paired with a light mixed green salad for added freshness.

Zucchini Casserole Storage Guide

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Place in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor variations.

• How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming watery?

Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture before assembling the casserole.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This cheesy zucchini casserole is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and seasonings.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Zucchini Casserole brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with layers of garden-fresh zucchini and melted cheese. Creamy, golden-topped goodness delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced

Cheeses:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and coat a baking dish with a light butter layer to prevent sticking.
2. Create uniform thin zucchini rounds, carefully seasoning each slice with a balanced blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs.
3. Craft a rich, creamy sauce by whisking together sharp cheddar, aged Parmesan, velvety heavy cream, and finely chopped garlic until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Construct alternating layers of seasoned zucchini in the prepared dish, generously drizzling the cheese mixture between each vegetable layer to ensure complete coverage.
5. Sprinkle a crisp breadcrumb topping across the surface for added texture and golden-brown complexity.
6. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25–30 minutes until the top transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust and the zucchini becomes tender.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest for several minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the dish to slightly cool before serving.

Notes

• Customize the zucchini thickness for varied textures, using a mandoline slicer for precise, uniform cuts that ensure even cooking.
• Drain excess moisture from zucchini slices by sprinkling salt and letting them sit for 10 minutes, then patting dry to prevent a watery casserole.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version, maintaining creaminess while reducing calories.
• Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg