Quick & Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe – A Cozy Dinner Winner

Crafting a delectable zucchini casserole with layers of melted cheese can turn an ordinary vegetable into a crowd-pleasing marvel.

Summer gardens overflow with these green beauties begging to become something spectacular.

Crisp zucchini slices nestled between creamy dairy create a comforting dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Fresh herbs and sharp cheddar add unexpected depth to this humble vegetable medley.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a memorable meal that surprises and delights.

Each forkful brings together seasonal produce and rich, gooey textures that make you crave another bite.

Your dinner table will buzz with excitement when you unveil this irresistible casserole that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Everyone Asks For

• Quick Family Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that satisfies hungry appetites and delivers cheesy goodness kids and adults will love. Packed with protein from rice and eggs, this casserole provides a complete nutritious meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Versatile Vegetable Magic: Transform ordinary zucchini into a mouthwatering dish that even veggie-skeptics will devour. The clever moisture-removal technique ensures a perfectly textured casserole without soggy results, making vegetables exciting and delectable.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable, common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Stretches expensive ingredients like cheese by combining them with budget-friendly zucchini and rice, creating a cost-effective meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Items in Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that provides moisture and texture for the casserole, best when young and tender.
• Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from zucchini during preparation.

• Sour Cream, Eggs, Shredded Cheese: Creamy binders that add richness and help hold the casserole together, choose full-fat versions for best flavor.

• Chives: Fresh herb that adds mild onion-like flavor and green color to the dish.
• Mrs. Dash Seasoning: Salt-free blend that provides additional herb and spice notes.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Cooked Rice: Adds substance and helps absorb moisture, white or brown rice work well.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a slightly lighter texture in the casserole.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish, prevents sticking and adds subtle richness.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Swipe the inside with a generous butter coating to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Zucchini Moisture Removal

• Zucchini
• Salt

Grab your grater and shred the zucchini using large holes.

Sprinkle salt over the shredded veggie in a colander.

Let it sit for 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.

Squeeze out every drop of moisture with your hands, transferring the dry zucchini to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Sour cream
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Cooked rice
• Shredded cheese
• Chives
• Salt
• Mrs.

Dash seasoning

Whisk sour cream with baking powder in a small bowl.

Pour this mixture over the zucchini along with eggs.

Fold in rice, most of the cheese, chives, salt, and seasoning until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Layer and Prepare

Spread the zucchini mixture evenly in the buttered dish.

Top with a smooth layer of remaining sour cream.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the center of the oven.

Bake for 40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Garnish with extra chives and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

Zucchini Casserole Texture Tips

• Remove as much liquid as possible from zucchini to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a perfect, firm texture.
• Select firm, bright green zucchini without soft spots for the best flavor and optimal moisture control.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to enhance the casserole's richness and depth.
• Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled bacon for extra protein and a satisfying meal variation.
• Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free version that's equally delicious and nutritious.

Zucchini Casserole That Keeps Its Creaminess

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed zucchini casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Cut into individual portions. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Bold Picks For Zucchini Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy zucchini casserole, balancing its creamy texture with a refreshing zesty note.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole, adding a layer of freshness to the meal.
• Serve with Herb-Crusted Chicken: Prepare a simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme to complement the casserole's savory profile, creating a protein-rich and satisfying main course.
• Offer Crusty Artisan Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the casserole's creamy sauce and add a delightful textural element to the dining experience.

Zucchini Casserole Toppings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with riced cauliflower and use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream or almond milk-based sour cream alternative to accommodate dairy allergies or vegan preferences.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to increase protein content, making the casserole more filling and nutritionally dense for active individuals or athletes.

FAQs

• Is zucchini the only vegetable I can use in this casserole?

No, you can substitute with yellow squash or use a mix of both vegetables. Just ensure you drain them properly to prevent excess moisture.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese provides the best flavor. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella that won’t create the desired crispy top.

• Do I need to remove the zucchini seeds before grating?

No, you can grate the entire zucchini. The key is to remove excess moisture by salting and squeezing the grated zucchini before mixing with other ingredients.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini casserole blends garden-fresh vegetables with melted cheese for a comforting family dinner. Rich layers of zucchini, herbs, and creamy cheese promise a delightful meal that satisfies from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) green zucchini (about 6 medium)
• 1/2 cup chives, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Protein and Dairy:

• 4 large eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Colby Jack cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup sour cream, divided
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Seasonings and Leavening:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (or any salt-free seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Prepare zucchini by grating using a box grater or food processor, then place in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow excess moisture to drain for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to help release liquid.
2. Thoroughly squeeze out remaining moisture from zucchini using hands, transferring the dried vegetable to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream with baking powder and let sit momentarily to activate.
4. Integrate eggs and sour cream mixture into the zucchini, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform base.
5. Fold in cooked rice, shredded cheese, chives, salt, and seasoning, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
7. Transfer the zucchini mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
8. Create a creamy top layer by carefully spreading remaining sour cream across the casserole.
9. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sour cream layer, covering the entire surface.
10. Place casserole in the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, which helps set the texture.
12. Garnish with additional fresh chives and serve while still warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole, ensuring a thick and creamy texture that holds together perfectly.
• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the dish’s delicious cheesy essence.
• Select firm, fresh zucchini without soft spots to guarantee the best flavor and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or gruyère to add complexity and personalize the casserole’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 546 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg