This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a cozy dish packed with soft, flavorful zucchini, plenty of melty cheese, and a buttery topping. It’s a perfect side for any meal!
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness? I love making this casserole for family dinners—it brightens up the table and is super simple to whip up. You’ll be going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini Squash: Fresh zucchini is essential for this casserole. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash can be a great substitute. They both add a mild flavor and work well when baked.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If dairy is a concern, try dairy-free cheese alternatives, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy feel without the dairy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even a hard goat cheese can work well.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a lower-fat substitute for both, giving a similar tangy flavor.
Onion: While optional, I think it brings extra flavor. If you prefer not to use onion, try adding a bit of onion powder instead.
How Can I Get My Zucchini to Be Less Watery?
One challenge with zucchini is its high water content, which can make the casserole soggy. To avoid this, you can salt the zucchini and let it sit before cooking. This draws out the moisture.
- Slice the zucchini and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels before mixing it with the other ingredients.
This extra step will help ensure a nice, firm casserole that doesn’t turn out watery. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups zucchini squash, sliced or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for breadcrumb topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of about 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick dish that delivers big flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prep the Zucchini:
If you’d like, sprinkle the sliced zucchini with a bit of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out extra moisture. After 10 minutes, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to keep your casserole nice and firm.
3. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped onion (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix everything together well, making sure the zucchini is coated with the creamy goodness.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Now, stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Make sure to save a little Parmesan for the topping! Mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour your zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, so it cooks nicely.
6. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole, along with the reserved Parmesan cheese. This gives it a nice crispy topping!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and a golden-brown topping!
8. Cool Slightly and Serve:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole!
This dish is a lovely way to enjoy zucchini, wrapped in creamy cheesy comfort. It pairs well with many meals or can simply be enjoyed on its own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but it’s best to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a colander to drain excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
This casserole is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that the cheese you use is vegetarian (some cheeses contain animal rennet). You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to revive the creaminess when reheating.
Can I Add More Cheese or Different Types?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Adding cream cheese or gouda can give a different flavor profile while also maintaining that delicious creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the measurements so it doesn’t get overly cheesy!
