A Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender zucchini with a rich, cheesy sauce, often with a crispy topping. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini, and it can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for it:
Ingredients:
- For the casserole:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- For the topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish.
- Prepare the zucchini:
- Slice the zucchinis into rounds or half-moons, about ¼ inch thick. You can also salt them lightly and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out some moisture, then pat dry with paper towels to reduce excess liquid.
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the cheesy mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg, sour cream (or cream cheese), milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Layer the sautéed onions and garlic at the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
- Add the sliced zucchini over the onions.
- Pour the cheesy mixture evenly over the zucchini, making sure it’s all covered.
- Make the topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve hot.
Tips:
- Add extra veggies: You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping if you prefer a low-carb version.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a little heat.
This cheesy zucchini casserole is a delicious way to enjoy zucchini in a comforting, cheesy form. Enjoy!
