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Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

by Katerina

4.73 from 44 votes

Jun 27, 2019, Updated Jun 11, 2023

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Packed full of fresh zucchini and cheddar cheese, this easy and creamy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious, low-carb dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Brace yourselves for a feast of flavors with our savory Zucchini Casserole! It’s a delicious ensemble of fresh zucchini and cheddar cheese, culminating into a creamy and hearty dinner you can prepare in just half an hour.

This oven-baked Zucchini Casserole makes a truly tasty vegetarian entrée or a side dish bursting with flavor, texture, and nutrients. It’s a win-win for all! I mean, who would’ve thought that something made with this bland green veggie could taste better than Zucchini Brownies or my Apple and Zucchini Bread? I ❤️ them both.

But, you know, filling up a baking dish with layer upon layer of zucchini, rich cream, and cheese is a trophy-deserved dinner recipe. And this stunner is sure to wow all the crowds! 

Zucchini Casserole

You can prepare this fantastic casserole with simple pantry ingredients and make a perfect one-pot weeknight dinner. It’s an easy-to-share dish that will surprise even those who usually turn up their noses at zucchini. It’s cheesy and creamy, and a single bite of this meal might just convert them!

How To Make Zucchini Casserole

1. Slice 2 to 4 zucchinis to get 6 cups of half-moon pieces. Place them in a greased 9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with salt, and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl or a large measuring cup, combine cream, eggs, garlic, parmesan, basil, nutmeg, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the zucchini and pour the cream mixture over it.
4. Add pats of butter over the zucchini and bake for 25 minutes. Add more cheese and bake for another 7 to 10 minutes until it’s brown and bubbly.
5. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then cut and serve.

COOK’S NOTES

• If you prefer a softer zucchini, and the top of the casserole is already browned, lightly cover the baking dish with foil to prevent further browning.
• To achieve a perfect, intact square, you will need to let the casserole cool for about 20 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• Choosing Zucchini: Look for medium-sized zucchini that are firm.
• Zucchini has a high water content. To avoid a watery casserole, salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
• Seasoning: Zucchini is a mild vegetable and can handle plenty of flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, basil, or nutmeg to suit your personal taste.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of different cheeses can bring a new twist to your casserole.
• Baking: When baking the casserole, ensure it’s cooked until the top is golden and the zucchini is tender.
• Resting Time: Don’t forget to let your casserole rest after baking. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed and makes it easier to serve.
• Variations: The recipe is flexible. Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms, or add a protein like cooked chicken or ground turkey for a heartier meal. You can also swap the zucchini for yellow squash.

Serving Suggestions

The best pairing for you depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs, but that won’t stop me from suggesting some favorites. ?

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Since the zucchini casserole is rich and cheesy, it pairs well with a simple chicken or steak recipe. For a lighter option, consider my Grilled Swordfish or roasted turkey.
• Salads: Consider a simple green salad, a tangy Macedonian Shopska Salad, or a colorful tomato and cucumber salad.
• Wine: If you enjoy wine with your meal, a white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light red like Pinot Noir would pair well with this dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes a delicious and quick lunch for work!
• While it’s possible to freeze the casserole, I would not recommend it. Zucchini tends to release a lot of water, which can alter the taste and texture of the dish.

More Zucchini Recipes

• Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
• Zucchini Tomato Casserole
• Garlicky and Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters
• Ricotta Zucchini Meatballs
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips

ENJOY!

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4.73 from 44 votes

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

by Katerina | Diethood

Packed full of fresh zucchini and cheddar cheese, this easy and creamy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious low-carb dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

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• ▢ 2 to 4 zucchini,, sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick (you will need 6 cups total)
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ▢ 3 whole eggs
• ▢ ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ▢ 3 to 4 cloves garlic,, minced
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper,, or to taste
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ▢ 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese,, divided
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter,, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
• ▢ chopped fresh parsley,, for garnish

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Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350˚F.
• Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter.
• Add the sliced zucchini to the baking dish and sprinkle with salt; mix and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Layer 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the zucchini.
• Pour the prepared cream sauce over the zucchini and scatter pieces of butter over the zucchini.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake for 7 to 10 more minutes, or until bubbly, browned, and zucchini is tender.
• Remove from oven and let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley; cut and serve.

Equipment

• 9-Inch Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chef Knife

Video

Notes

• If you like a softer zucchini, but the casserole is already browned on top, loosely place foil over the baking dish to keep it from browning further. 
• Pick small to medium firm, shiny zucchini for the best taste and texture.
• Avoid a watery casserole by salting the zucchini slices and patting them dry before use.
• Don’t hold back on seasoning; zucchini can handle it.
• While cheddar is common, try mozzarella or provolone for a change.
• Bake until the casserole is golden and the zucchini is soft.
• Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving.
• For variety, add different veggies or pre-cooked chicken to the mix.
• Keep any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 880IU | Vitamin C: 12.1mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

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