Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful cheesy zucchini casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Summer gardens often overflow with these versatile vegetables waiting to become something spectacular.

Zucchini brings incredible nutrition and subtle flavor to comfort food classics.

Every bite promises a creamy, golden experience that makes vegetables irresistible.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a rich backdrop for garden-fresh ingredients.

Layers of tender zucchini and sharp cheddar combine in a dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole: Top Reasons To Love It

  • Master Easy Cooking Skills: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires simple whisking and mixing techniques that build confidence in the kitchen without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Comfort Food: Swap ingredients like different cheeses or add herbs to make the casserole uniquely yours, creating a flexible meal that adapts to your taste preferences.
  • Quick Family Dinner Solution: Delivers a nutritious, satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults, combining vegetables with irresistible cheesy goodness in one simple baking dish.

Your Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Shopping List

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh green vegetable that provides the core base and texture for the casserole.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds richness.
  • Milk: Liquid component that creates a creamy and smooth consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy taste.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Ingredients that create a crispy and golden brown crust on top of the casserole.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs brown and become crispy.

Simple Steps For Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.

This temperature ensures perfect cooking for your zucchini casserole.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they are completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Vegetable And Cheese

Add to the whisked mixture:
  • Sliced zucchini
  • Half of the cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until the zucchini is evenly coated with the egg mixture.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the zucchini and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle over the top:
  • Remaining cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs

Distribute these ingredients evenly across the surface of the casserole.

Step 7: Drizzle With Butter

Pour melted butter over the breadcrumbs, which will help create a golden, crispy top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Make Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Foolproof

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut zucchini into uniform thickness for consistent cooking and better texture.
  • Pat zucchini slices with paper towels to remove water, preventing a soggy casserole and ensuring a crisp topping.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or Swiss, or add herbs like basil or thyme for extra depth.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.
  • Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

New Ways To Enjoy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

  • Vegan Veggie Casserole: Replace eggs with silken tofu, use plant-based milk, swap cheddar and Parmesan with nutritional yeast and vegan cheese alternatives, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for added dietary flexibility.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Bake: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, reduce milk quantity, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Mediterranean Style Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped fresh herbs like basil and oregano, include diced tomatoes, and sprinkle pine nuts on top for a Greek-inspired transformation.

How To Serve Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Well

  • Fresh Summer Side: Pair this casserole with a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked salmon to create a complete and nutritious dinner plate that satisfies hunger.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch star by adding crispy bacon bits on top and serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Vegetable Companion: Complement the zucchini casserole with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to enhance the vegetable-forward dining experience.

Store Cheesy Zucchini Casserole With Ease

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Transfer casserole to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

  • Is zucchini good for this casserole?

Zucchini is perfect for this casserole because it’s low in calories, high in nutrients, and provides a soft, tender texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.

  • Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini works best. Frozen zucchini tends to release too much water, which can make the casserole soggy and affect the overall texture.

  • How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Slice zucchini thinly and pat dry with paper towels before mixing to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain a creamy, firm consistency.

Print
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Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Zucchini lovers rejoice with this mouthwatering Cheesy Zucchini Casserole that combines garden-fresh vegetables and rich dairy goodness. Creamy, golden-brown layers promise a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (945 ml) zucchini, sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a baking dish with a light coating of grease.
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Fold sliced zucchini and half of the cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Carefully pour the zucchini blend into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Create a crispy topping by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs across the surface.
  6. Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumb layer to enhance golden browning and flavor.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a rich golden crust and bubbling edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps set the texture and makes serving easier.
  9. Slice and serve warm, enjoying the creamy interior and crunchy cheese-breadcrumb topping.

Notes

  • Drain excess zucchini moisture by salting and letting it sit for 10 minutes to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use low-fat cheeses and milk to reduce calorie content without compromising flavor.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or thyme to enhance the casserole’s aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 340 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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