Easy Baked Zucchini and Cheese Casserole – A Comforting Summer Dish

Looking for a simple yet delicious way to enjoy summer zucchini? This easy baked zucchini and cheese casserole is the perfect dish! It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal side for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just craving a cozy dish, this casserole is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Mix the Cheese: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
4. Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the zucchini. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and cheese.
5. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the zucchini is tender.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchinis work best for this recipe. Avoid using overly large zucchinis as they can be watery.
• Add a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle some crushed crackers or nuts on top before baking.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a unique flavor.

FAQ

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with grilled chicken, a fresh salad, or even a slice of crusty bread. For more inspiration, check out our Ultimate Easy Zucchini Bread or Fresh Summer Tomato Peach Salad.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash or a mix of zucchini and yellow squash will work beautifully in this recipe.

Easy Baked Zucchini and Cheese Casserole – A Comforting Summer Dish

This easy baked zucchini and cheese casserole is a cheesy, comforting dish perfect for summer. It’s packed with flavor and makes an ideal side for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
3. In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
4. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the zucchini. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and cheese.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the zucchini is tender.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm as a side dish or a light main course.

Notes

Use fresh, firm zucchinis for best results. For extra texture, sprinkle crushed crackers or nuts on top before baking. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a unique flavor.