Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This Zucchini Casserole is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines fresh zucchini with a creamy, cheesy sauce, then bakes it to golden perfection. It’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal zucchini and makes for a delicious side or even a light main dish. With its creamy texture and crispy topping, it’s sure to please both veggie lovers and picky eaters alike. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a heartwarming treat.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for crunch)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter or oil a medium baking dish.
Sauté Veggies
In a large skillet, olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
Stir in zucchini slices, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
Prepare Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Assemble Casserole
Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Pour egg-cheese mixture over the zucchini.
Top with remaining cheddar, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Zucchini Casserole – Tips & Variations
Tips for Best Results:
Drain the zucchini well – After slicing, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This prevents excess water in the casserole.
Use fresh zucchini – Young, firm zucchini works best for texture and flavor.
Add a crunchy topping – Mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with a little butter for a golden crust.
Shred cheese freshly – Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor.
Don’t overbake – Bake until bubbly and golden; overcooking can make zucchini mushy.
Variations to Try:
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or sausage for a heartier casserole.
Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Extra Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Herb Twist: Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic flavor boost.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for different cheesy profiles.
Zucchini Casserole – Q/A & Nutrition
Q/A Section
Q1: Can I make zucchini casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Q2: How can I make my zucchini casserole less watery?
Zucchini has a high water content. Slice it, sprinkle with salt, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels before layering in the casserole.
Q3: Can I freeze zucchini casserole?
Freezing is possible but may slightly alter the texture due to zucchini’s water content. For best results, freeze before baking, then bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Q4: Can I make it low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and skip any starchy thickeners.
Q5: What can I use instead of cheese?
If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based cheese or a mix of nutritional yeast and almond flour for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Q6: Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken, turkey, ground beef, or even tuna work great for a more filling meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approx. 1/6 of recipe)
(Values will vary based on exact ingredients and toppings used)
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 4 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 420 mg
Potassium: 480 mg
Vitamin A: 12% DV
Vitamin C: 28% DV
Calcium: 18% DV
Iron: 6% DV