Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipe

Category:Salads & Side Dishes

This Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender zucchini and yellow squash with creamy cheese. It’s all baked until bubbly and golden!

It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, and trust me, the cheese makes everything better! I love enjoying it as a side with dinner or even as a tasty lunch treat. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Both add a lovely texture and flavor to the casserole. If you can’t find these, feel free to substitute with other veggies like bell peppers or eggplant. Just make sure to adjust cooking time for different vegetables.

Cheeses: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, while mozzarella gives creaminess. You could switch out mozzarella for a cheese like Monterey Jack for a different flavor. Vegan cheese can also work if you want a dairy-free option!

Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: They both provide creaminess. You can swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier choice, and the mayonnaise can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Bread Crumbs: These add crunch. You can use panko for extra crispiness, or even crushed crackers. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread crumbs or omit entirely.

How Do I Make Perfectly Tender Veggies in the Casserole?

The key to getting tender zucchini and squash is to sauté them before adding them to the casserole. Here’s how to do it:

  • Heat a skillet on medium and add a bit of oil.
  • Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they’re soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Then, stir in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash for another 5-7 minutes to lightly cook them.
  • Once they’ve softened a bit, they’re ready to mix into the casserole!

This technique helps prevent them from being watery in the final dish. Enjoy your cooking!

Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Casserole:

  • 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 40-45 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll spend about 1 hour in the kitchen before you can enjoy this cheesy goodness!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection! While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft and the kitchen smells fragrant. Once done, remove from heat. This step adds great flavor to the dish!

3. Prepare the Veggies:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bowl and mix gently.

4. Make the Creamy Mixture:

In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and optional dried thyme until everything is smooth and well combined.

5. Combine Everything:

Now, pour the creamy mixture over the veggies in the large bowl. Stir everything together to ensure the vegetables are well coated. Then, add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, folding gently until combined.

6. Assemble in the Casserole Dish:

Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks just right.

7. Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. This will create a crunchy topping. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

8. Bake to Perfection:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly!

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly before digging in. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite with family and friends!

Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole Recipe

FAQ for Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?

Absolutely! While zucchini and yellow squash are the stars of this dish, you can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different veggies may require slight adjustments.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

To make the casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs. These are widely available and will still provide that crunchy topping you love!

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it creamy!

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