Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
This Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is the perfect side or light main dish. It’s layered with tender zucchini, sautéed onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs—all brought together with a creamy base and topped with a golden, buttery stuffing crust. A crowd-pleasing casserole that’s warm, comforting, and packed with fresh flavor.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 eggs
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add zucchini and sauté for 5–6 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in sautéed zucchini mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Mix well.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the stuffing mix, melted butter, and Parmesan (if using). Toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly over the zucchini mixture.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the center.
Cool & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Tips
Drain Excess Moisture from Zucchini
Zucchini releases a lot of water. To avoid a soggy casserole, you can:
Lightly salt zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Or sauté them just enough to release moisture before mixing.
Don’t Skip the Feta
Feta adds tanginess and creamy saltiness that pairs beautifully with zucchini and stuffing. Use a block feta in brine for best flavor.
Customize the Creamy Base
Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option, or sour cream for richness. A mix of both also works wonderfully.
Crisp Up the Topping
For extra crunch, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes to get a golden, crispy stuffing top.
Make It Ahead
Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance (keep the stuffing topping separate until baking). Store covered in the fridge.
Variations
Add Protein
Mix in cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or chickpeas for a hearty, protein-rich main dish.
Make It Vegetarian (or Vegan)
Already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by:
Using a plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk
Skipping the eggs (or using flax/chia eggs)
Subbing vegan feta and stuffing mix
Boost the Mediterranean Vibe
Add chopped kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to the mix for more bold, briny flavor.
Herb Variations
Use fresh herbs like thyme, mint, dill, or parsley to brighten the dish.
Or swap in Italian seasoning or za’atar for a twist.
Cheese Up!
Mix in a bit of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or goat cheese for melty richness.
Q&A
Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
A: Yes! Yellow squash works just as well. You can also mix both for a colorful, nutrient-rich casserole.
Q: What kind of stuffing mix should I use?
A: A herb-seasoned stuffing mix (like Stove Top or similar) works great. You can also use homemade dried bread cubes with added herbs and olive oil or butter.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just substitute with a gluten-free stuffing mix or use gluten-free bread cubes tossed with herbs and olive oil.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, but for best results, freeze it before baking. Assemble everything except the stuffing topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking.
Nutrition
Based on using Greek yogurt, feta, and standard herb stuffing mix:
Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~520mg
May vary depending on brands and substitutions used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is a warm, satisfying dish that blends the comfort of a classic casserole with the bright, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s quick to prepare, full of nourishing vegetables, and adaptable to a range of dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it as a meatless main course, a cozy side dish, or part of a holiday spread, this casserole is always a hit—especially with its golden, buttery stuffing crust and savory feta-kissed filling. Make it ahead, customize to your taste, and enjoy the rich, garden-fresh flavors in every bite!