Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole 🧀🍴
Looking for a delicious, comforting side dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is the perfect solution! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness. Whether you’re looking to make a side dish for dinner or a vegetarian-friendly meal, this casserole is a great choice. With a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, a creamy base, and a crispy breadcrumb topping (optional), this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
4 medium zucchinis, sliced 🥒
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1/2 cup sour cream 🥄
1/4 cup mayonnaise 🥄
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1/2 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) 🍞
2 tablespoons butter, melted 🧈
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. A 9×9-inch dish works great for this recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Place the sliced zucchini in a colander and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is important to prevent the casserole from being too watery.
After the zucchini has had time to sit, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
Step 3: Make the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The creamy base should be thick and rich, perfect for coating the zucchini slices.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Add the prepared zucchini slices to the bowl and gently stir until they are evenly coated with the cheesy mixture. Make sure the zucchini slices are well-covered, as the cheese mixture is the key to the casserole’s deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
If you want a crispy, golden topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with melted butter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the top is crispy and the edges are slightly browned.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Zucchini Casserole:
For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try using different types of cheese like mozzarella for a more melty texture.
Make it a Main: This casserole can easily be turned into a main dish by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even ground beef to the cheesy mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Skip the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free version to make the casserole gluten-free.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it the night before and storing it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Zucchini Alternatives: If zucchini isn’t your thing, try using yellow squash or a combination of both for a colorful twist.
Enjoy! 🎉
This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a great way to enjoy zucchini in a delicious and comforting way. The combination of creamy cheese, savory zucchini, and a crispy topping (if you choose to add breadcrumbs) creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve it as a side dish with dinner, or make it the star of the show for a quick and easy meal. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!