If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both cheesy and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a must-try! It’s the perfect way to use up fresh zucchini, turning it into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible bake.

This recipe is super easy to throw together, making it an excellent side dish for weeknight dinners, holidays, or even potlucks. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will love this one!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Creamy & Cheesy: A rich, gooey cheese sauce makes this casserole irresistible.
Great Way to Use Zucchini: Perfect for garden-fresh zucchini or when you need to use up extra veggies.
Simple & Quick: Just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfect Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasts, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-zucchini lovers will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Zucchini: The star of the dish—sliced thin for tender, perfectly baked results.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate melty, cheesy goodness.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for a creamy texture.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to the casserole.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings that bring out the best flavors.
Breadcrumbs: A crispy, golden topping for extra texture.
Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

Slice zucchini into thin rounds and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Make the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Assemble the Casserole

Layer the zucchini slices in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheesy mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.

Make the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole for a crispy, golden finish.

Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then dig in! This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even on its own.

How to Serve Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

With Grilled Chicken: A perfect cheesy side for a juicy grilled chicken breast.
Next to Steak: A hearty, comforting addition to any steak dinner.
As a Vegetarian Main Dish: Serve with a crisp salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
For Breakfast: Enjoy leftovers with a fried egg on top—it’s delicious!

Additional Tips

Prevent a Watery Casserole: Salting and patting the zucchini dry removes excess moisture.
Extra Cheese? Yes, Please! Try adding Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.
Make Ahead: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini releases too much water when thawed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A1: Fresh zucchini is best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well before baking.

Q2: Can I add other veggies?
A2: Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.

Q3: What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
A3: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great, but Swiss, Gruyère, or Parmesan are also fantastic.

Q4: Can I make this casserole keto-friendly?
A4: Yes! Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.

Q5: How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?
A5: Salting and patting the zucchini dry helps a lot. Also, avoid overbaking.

Q6: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A6: Yes! Greek yogurt adds a similar tangy richness with a bit more protein.

Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for a crispy top.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.

Q9: What’s a good gluten-free option for the topping?
A9: Try crushed almond flour crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Q10: Can I add meat to this dish?
A10: Definitely! Cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken would be delicious additions.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is comfort food at its finest creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a meatless main, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Give it a try, and let me know how you love it!

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy fresh zucchini! With a fluffy, moist, and creamy center topped with a golden cheesy crust, this easy baked zucchini dish is irresistible. A great way to use up garden vegetables!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Drain the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor.
- Place grated zucchini in a colander over the sink, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, and let sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Squeeze out excess moisture using your hands. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, mix ⅔ cup sour cream with ½ tsp baking powder and let sit while zucchini drains.
- Add the eggs and sour cream mixture to the drained zucchini. Stir to combine.
- Mix in the cooked rice, 2 cups shredded cheese, chives, ½ tsp salt, and Mrs. Dash seasoning.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the buttered casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Spread the remaining ⅓ cup sour cream over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake uncovered on the center rack at 400°F for 40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra chives and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
Can substitute Mexican cheese blend for Colby Jack.
Works well with brown rice or quinoa for a fiber boost!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg