This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a tasty dish filled with fresh zucchini and melted cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect as a side for any meal!
I love how the cheese gets all gooey and delicious while the zucchini stays nice and tender. You’ll want to scoop out every last bite—trust me, it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These two veggies are the stars of the dish! They give a great texture and flavor. If you can’t find them, you might try using eggplant or bell peppers as a substitute, though it will change the taste slightly.
Onion: I used a regular yellow onion for its sweetness. You can swap it for shallots or green onions if that’s what you have on hand. I find that shallots add a nice subtle flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella bring gooeyness and flavor. You can mix it up by using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a bit of a kick. For a lighter option, you can also use low-fat cheese.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess! If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese work well too. They’ll still provide the same creaminess without the mayo.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Zucchini and Squash?
To truly enhance the flavor of your veggies, it’s essential to remove excess moisture. This step keeps your casserole from becoming soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds and sprinkle them with salt.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. You’ll notice water pooling under the slices.
- Afterward, use a clean towel to squeeze out the liquid gently. This trick improves the casserole’s texture and flavor.
What’s the Secret for a Creamy, Flavorful Casserole?
Mixing all the ingredients together properly is key. When you whisk the sour cream and eggs, aim for a smooth consistency before adding the vegetables. This ensures an even spread of flavor throughout the dish.
- Combine sour cream, mayo, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl until smooth.
- Then mix this with the vegetable mixture before adding in the cheese. This helps the cheese melt evenly during baking.
Just follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious casserole that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For The Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For The Creamy Base:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need a total of about 1 hour to get it ready, including prep and cooking time. Just enough to get those cheesy aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when your casserole is mixed and assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Zucchini and Squash:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for about 10 minutes; this helps to release excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze out any liquid using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to make sure your casserole isn’t watery.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the zucchini and squash mixture. Then pour in the creamy mixture and stir everything together until well combined.
6. Add the Cheese:
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, keeping a little aside for topping later.
7. Pour into Casserole Dish:
Carefully pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t forget to pat it down a bit for a compact texture!
8. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) evenly over the top for that delicious golden topping.
9. Bake:
Put the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the house smells amazing!
10. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will help it set up a bit more. Then, garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a nice touch.
11. Enjoy!
Serve warm as a delicious side dish or even a main meal. This cheesy zucchini squash casserole is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!
FAQ About Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini and yellow squash are the stars of this dish, you can substitute them with eggplant, bell peppers, or even spinach for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using denser vegetables.
How Can I Make This Casserole Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use low-fat or non-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat cheese variety to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in individual portions. Enjoy your cheesy goodness again!
