If you're a fan of fresh produce and the comforting flavors of home-cooked casseroles, you're in for a treat! Learn how to make the most delicious Zucchini Casserole that will complete any meal.
Why You'll Love This Tasty Side Dish
- Garden Fresh. This casserole is bursting with the flavors of zucchini, squash, and other garden veggies. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
- Comfort Food. With a creamy and cheesy base, this casserole embodies the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.
- Versatile. Serve it as a side dish, a vegetarian main course, or even as a hearty brunch option.
- Simple Pleasures. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant colors and flavors of this delightful vegetable casserole.
Is Zucchini And Squash Casserole Good?
Absolutely! Zucchini and squash casseroles are not only good; they're downright delicious.
When these garden-fresh vegetables are combined with a creamy sauce and a touch of cheese, the result is a comforting and savory dish that appeals to all ages. It's the perfect way to showcase the flavors of some of your favorite vegetables in one mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Zucchini
- Yellow Squash
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cheddar Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Eggs
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Salt and Black Pepper
How To Make Zucchini Casserole
- Prepare the Vegetables. Start by slicing the zucchini and yellow squash into thin rounds. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Saute the Vegetables. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Zucchini and Squash. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Elements. Once the zucchini and squash are tender, remove them from the heat. Let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently fold the sauteed vegetables into the cheese and sour cream mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer and Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish (9x13 inches or a similar size). Pour the zucchini and squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake to Perfection. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. It's best enjoyed warm.
Tips And Tricks
Creating the perfect Zucchini and Squash Casserole is a delightful endeavor. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your casserole turns out beautifully:
- Uniform Slicing- Slice the zucchini and squash evenly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Saute for Flavor- Sauteing the onions and garlic before adding the zucchini and squash enhances the depth of flavor in the casserole.
- Use Fresh Herbs- If you have fresh basil and oregano on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs. Just chop them finely and add them to the sauteed vegetables.
- Sour Cream and Mayo- The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a creamy and tangy base for the casserole. It's a key element of the dish's deliciousness.
Variations
While this Zucchini and Squash Casserole is fabulous as is, you can always customize it to suit your preferences:
- Cheese- Experiment with different cheese varieties, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss, for a unique flavor twist.
- Fresh Herbs- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for an extra burst of garden-fresh flavor.
- Protein- If you'd like to turn this side dish into a main course, consider adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage for added protein.
Why Is My Zucchini Casserole Watery?
If your zucchini casserole turns out watery, it's usually due to excess moisture released by the zucchini during cooking. This can happen for a few reasons, but don't worry; there are steps you can take to prevent it in the future:
- High Water Content in Zucchini. Some zucchinis have a higher water content than others. While this can vary based on the type and freshness of the zucchini, you can help reduce excess moisture by choosing smaller, firmer zucchinis and removing the seeds if they are large.
- Improper Slicing. If the zucchini slices are too thick, they are more likely to release excess moisture during cooking. Try to slice them thinly and evenly to allow for better moisture distribution.
- Salting and Draining. After slicing the zucchini, you can sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will draw out some of the moisture. Afterward, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before using them in your casserole. Be sure to rinse off the excess salt to avoid an overly salty dish.
If your zucchini casserole is already watery, you can try draining the excess liquid carefully or spooning it out. Then, return the casserole to the oven for a few more minutes to help evaporate any remaining moisture.
What To Serve With Zucchini Casserole
This casserole is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Chicken- Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Green Salad- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing makes for a refreshing side dish.
- Fresh Bread- A loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up any remaining creamy goodness.
How Long Does It Last?
Store any leftover Zucchini and Squash Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
More Delicious Zucchini Recipes
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Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini
- 2 cups yellow squash
- 1/2 cup Onion
- 2 tbsp Garlic
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables. Start by slicing the zucchini and yellow squash into thin rounds. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Saute the Vegetables. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Zucchini and Squash. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Elements. Once the zucchini and squash are tender, remove them from the heat. Let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently fold the sauteed vegetables into the cheese and sour cream mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer and Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish (9x13 inches or a similar size). Pour the zucchini and squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake to Perfection. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. It's best enjoyed warm.
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Nutrition
Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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