This Cheesy Loaded Zucchini Casserole is a great way to enjoy veggies! It’s packed with tender zucchini, gooey cheese, and a blend of tasty seasonings that everyone will love.
Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll forget it’s good for you! I like to serve it warm as a comforting side dish at dinner. Perfect for any occasion! 🥒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash can work well too. Just slice it the same way to keep that texture!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella give a great flavor blend. If you want to mix things up, try using Pepper Jack for a little heat or Gouda for a smoky taste. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bacon: Adding cooked bacon gives this dish a delicious flavor boost. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or smoked paprika for that depth without the meat.
Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: Both create a creamy texture. You might substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy flavor and keep the calories lower. Neufchâtel cheese is another good substitute for cream cheese.
How Do You Get Zucchini Casserole Just Right Without Being Watery?
One common struggle is dealing with watery casseroles. To avoid this, salting the grated zucchini beforehand helps a lot. Here’s how:
- Grate your zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it drain for 10-15 minutes.
- Afterward, squeeze the zucchini to remove excess moisture. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel for this!
- By preparing the zucchini this way, you’ll prevent the casserole from becoming soggy and ensure that flavors shine through instead.
Cheesy Loaded Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional, for loaded flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and around 30-35 minutes for baking, so the whole process will take about 50 minutes. Just enough time to get everything ready and enjoy a delicious cheesy casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Zucchini:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, place the grated zucchini into a colander and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, which helps draw out excess moisture. Once rested, squeeze the zucchini using your hands or a cheesecloth to remove as much water as possible. This step is key to keeping your casserole from being watery!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, the chopped onion, minced garlic, and cooked bacon if you’re using it. Then, add in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy.
3. Preparing for Baking:
Next, lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, creating a delicious cheesy layer on top.
4. Baking to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top turns a lovely golden brown color. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you’d like.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your cheesy loaded zucchini casserole warm and enjoy all that creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s perfect as a side dish or as a light main course!
This dish is not only comforting and delicious but also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. Enjoy!
FAQ for Cheesy Loaded Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but it’s best to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. Squeeze out as much water as possible, similar to how you would with fresh zucchini, to keep the casserole from getting watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready, simply pop it in the oven—no need to thaw if you’ve refrigerated it overnight.
What’s a Good Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter option. You might also try ricotta or Neufchâtel cheese for a similar creamy texture!
