Cheesy Garden-Fresh Zucchini Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Summer Comfort Dish

Transform abundant summer zucchini into a delicious, creamy casserole that even vegetable skeptics will love.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Zucchini Casserole

This versatile dish combines tender zucchini with herbs, cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect side dish or vegetarian main course.

Zucchini CasserolePhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect solution for garden-fresh zucchini, combining wholesome vegetables with comforting cheese and crispy topping. It's easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For 8 servings:

• 6 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini
2. • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
   • Slice zucchini into uniform rounds
   • Lightly salt zucchini slices and let drain in a colander for 15 minutes
   • Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
3. Sauté Vegetables
4. • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
   • Sauté onions until translucent (5-7 minutes)
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
   • Add zucchini and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender
   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly
5. Prepare the Filling
6. • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream
   • Stir in both cheeses, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper
   • Fold in the cooled zucchini mixture
7. Make the Topping
8. • Combine panko, melted butter, parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley
   • Mix until evenly coated
9. Assemble and Bake
10. • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish
    • Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Prevent Watery Casserole
2. • Don't skip salting and draining the zucchini
   • Avoid overcooking the zucchini during pre-cooking
   • Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving
3. Cheese Selection
4. • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded
   • Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor
   • Experiment with different cheese combinations
5. Make Ahead
6. • Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance
   • Add breadcrumb topping just before baking
   • Allow extra baking time if cooking from cold

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use yellow summer squash instead of zucchini? A: Yes! Yellow squash works perfectly and can be used interchangeably or combined with zucchini for a colorful dish.

Q: How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery? A: The key is properly draining the zucchini. Salt it first, then drain and pat dry. Also, avoid overcooking the zucchini during the initial sauté.

Q: Can I make this keto-friendly? A: Yes! Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and ensure all other ingredients are keto-compliant.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: While possible, freezing isn't recommended as zucchini can become watery when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the topping.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole? A: It pairs well with grilled meats, and roasted chicken, or can stand alone as a vegetarian main dish with a side salad.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Style
2. • Add cherry tomatoes and olives
   • Use feta cheese instead of cheddar
   • Include fresh oregano and basil
3. Mexican Inspired
4. • Add corn and black beans
   • Use Mexican cheese blend
   • Include taco seasoning
   • Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs
5. Protein Packed
6. • Add cooked chicken or turkey
   • Include quinoa for extra protein
   • Mix in cooked bacon bits

Nutritional Benefits

Zucchini casserole isn't just delicious - it's nutritious too:

• High in vitamins A and C
• Good source of calcium from cheese
• It contains fiber and potassium
• A relatively low-carb main dish option

Storage and Reheating

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
• For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through
• To refresh the topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after reheating

Seasonal Tips

• Best made with fresh summer zucchini
• Perfect for garden surplus
• Can be made year-round with store-bought zucchini
• Excellent holiday side dish option

Remember, the success of this casserole largely depends on properly preparing the zucchini to prevent excess moisture. Take your time with the draining step, and you'll be rewarded with a creamy, cheesy casserole that's sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to adjust seasonings and cheese quantities to suit your taste preferences!