Welcome to your new favorite summer dish! This incredible zucchini casserole is a delicious way to enjoy fresh garden produce. It’s incredibly cheesy, packed with amazing flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Say goodbye to watery casseroles and hello to a perfectly textured, comforting meal. This recipe is your go-to for using up an abundance of seasonal zucchini.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Casserole
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned flavor profile in every bite.
- Perfect Texture: It boasts a delightful crunchy panko topping without a watery interior, a common struggle with zucchini dishes.
- Garden Fresh: This is an excellent recipe for transforming fresh garden zucchini into a comforting meal.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a hearty side dish or easily turn it into a light, satisfying main course.
- Beginner-Friendly: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this delicious zucchini casserole.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing zucchini casserole requires fresh, high-quality ingredients. You’ll need about 2 ½ lbs of fresh zucchini, which shreds down to 9 cups. We enhance the flavor with sautéed onion and garlic, and bind everything with eggs and heavy cream. A blend of shredded Parmesan and cheddar cheeses provides ultimate cheesiness, while panko breadcrumbs add a fantastic texture both inside and on top. Season with oregano, basil, garlic salt, parsley, paprika, and black pepper. A touch of Dijon mustard is our secret for depth, and melted butter creates that irresistible crispy topping.
Notes & Substitutions
You don’t need to peel the zucchini unless it’s a jumbo size with very thick skin; the skin adds nutrients and color. To maximize the nutritional value of your dish, keep in mind that zucchini skin is packed with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. If zucchini is scarce, yellow squash makes an excellent substitute. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack. Always shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor. For a heartier meal, stir in cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken. You can also boost veggies by adding finely diced carrots or mushrooms to the sautéed onions. If your mixture seems too loose, add an extra egg for better binding.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe. A standard 9×13-inch casserole dish is essential for baking. A box grater or food processor simplifies shredding the zucchini quickly. Gather a couple of large mixing bowls for combining ingredients, and a small skillet for sautéing. A colander is crucial for draining excess moisture from the zucchini. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and silicone spatulas work best for mixing everything together.
Instructions
Let’s make this incredible zucchini casserole! Following these simple steps ensures a perfect result every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Shred the zucchini (leave the skin on unless your zucchini is jumbo-sized). Transfer the shredded zucchini to a colander and sprinkle it with 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Top with paper towels and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove zucchini moisture: Use fresh paper towels to firmly press down on the zucchini in the colander, absorbing as much excess liquid as possible. This step is key for a non-watery zucchini casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained zucchini, sautéed onions and garlic, 3 whisked large eggs, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon each of oregano, basil, garlic salt, and parsley, and ¼ teaspoon each of paprika and black pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
- Transfer to dish: Pour the zucchini mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Add cheese topping: Generously sprinkle the 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole.
- Initial bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Prepare panko topping: While the casserole bakes, combine the remaining ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl.
- Add crunchy topping: After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the buttered panko mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Final bake: Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Broil for color (optional): For an extra golden crust, broil at 425°F for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the zucchini casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set properly.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Properly draining the zucchini is the most crucial step for a firm, delicious zucchini casserole. Salt the shredded zucchini and press out as much moisture as possible with paper towels. This essential step utilizes the scientific principle of osmosis in food preservation, where salt helps draw out excess water from the zucchini. For the best melt and flavor, always shred fresh cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Bake the casserole immediately after assembling it to prevent ingredients from releasing more liquid. When shredding zucchini, aim for medium-sized zucchini; their skins are thin enough to leave on. The casserole is done when it’s bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. If your casserole still looks watery after baking, it likely needed more liquid removed from the zucchini initially. Next time, press harder!
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile zucchini casserole is perfect for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it warm as a hearty and satisfying side dish with almost any meal.
- It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or your favorite baked fish.
- Enjoy a generous slice on its own as a light yet flavorful vegetarian main course.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover zucchini casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes great even when cold!
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, uncovered, until warmed through and bubbly.
Variations
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by mixing in cooked ground sausage, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Blend: Get creative with your cheese! Try a mix of Gruyere, fontina, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Spice It Up: Introduce a gentle kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning to the mixture.
- Herb Medley: Enhance the aroma and flavor with fresh herbs like finely chopped thyme or rosemary, added with the other seasonings.
Nutrition
Enjoy this flavorful zucchini casserole knowing it’s a wholesome addition to your meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 263 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 749mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Per serving (8 servings per recipe)
FAQ
- How do I prevent zucchini casserole from being watery? The key is to salt the shredded zucchini and press out as much excess moisture as possible with paper towels.
- Can I make zucchini casserole ahead of time? For best texture, assemble and bake the casserole fresh. However, you can shred the zucchini and prep other ingredients a day ahead.
- What can I serve with zucchini casserole? This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This ultimate zucchini casserole recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and ease, making it a perfect choice for beginners and busy parents alike. With its cheesy goodness, crisp topping, and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait to try this comforting dish! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below. Happy baking!