![To make cheesy baked zucchini casserole, gather these ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap ingredients based on your needs: - Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. - Replace ricotta with tofu for a dairy-free alternative. - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for those avoiding gluten. - Substitute zucchini with yellow squash for a slight flavor change. Choose zucchinis that feel firm and heavy. Look for a vibrant green color without blemishes. Smaller zucchinis tend to be more tender. Avoid any with wrinkles or soft spots. Fresh zucchinis will make your casserole taste better and have a nice texture. First, wash the zucchinis well. Then, slice them thinly. Aim for even slices for cooking. Place the slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps keep your casserole from becoming watery. In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Add in the Italian seasoning. Use half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses in this mix. Blend everything until it is smooth. This filling brings creaminess to the dish. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper for flavor. Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Lay half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over these slices. Next, add the rest of the zucchini on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over this layer. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Coat the breadcrumbs well. Spread this mixture over the cheese layer for crunch. Add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked zucchini casserole! For the complete directions, check the Full Recipe. To keep your casserole from being watery, salt your zucchini slices first. After slicing, layer them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. The salt pulls out extra moisture. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. This simple step is key to a perfect casserole. You can mix up the cheeses in this dish. If you want a sharper taste, try using gouda or pepper jack instead of mozzarella. For a creamier texture, use cream cheese in place of ricotta. Each cheese adds its own flavor, so feel free to get creative! Baking at the right temperature is vital. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking. Cover the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes to keep moisture in. Then, remove the foil to let the top brown. This gives your casserole a nice, crispy finish. Following these tips will help you create a delicious cheesy baked zucchini casserole every time! {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your cheesy baked zucchini casserole. Ground meat like turkey or beef works well. Simply brown the meat in a skillet before adding it to the layers. For a plant-based option, consider using black beans or chickpeas. Rinse and drain the beans, then mix them into the cheese filling. This adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. Herbs and spices can change the flavor of your dish. Feel free to get creative! You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a bright taste. For a bit of heat, consider red pepper flakes or paprika. You can also switch your Italian seasoning for a taco spice blend. This twist will give you a whole new experience with each bite. If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a simple swap. Alternatively, crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts can add a nice crunch. Even crushed cornflakes can work if you want something different. Just ensure you check the labels to confirm they are gluten-free. These options keep your casserole delicious without gluten. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label it with the date so you remember when you made it. When it's time to enjoy those leftovers, reheat in the oven for the best taste. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. This way, the cheese stays melty, and the zucchini warms through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. Freezing is a great way to save extra cheesy baked zucchini casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Layer the ingredients as usual, but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method saves time and makes meal prep easy. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread or breadsticks - Grilled chicken or fish - A light soup, such as tomato or cucumber These options balance the rich cheese flavors and add variety to your meal. This casserole is already vegetarian. It uses zucchinis and cheese, making it a great choice. If you want to boost the protein, consider adding beans. You can mix in black beans or chickpeas for extra flavor. Just make sure the beans are well-drained and rinsed. This keeps the casserole tasty and filling without meat. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions mentioned above. This article covered the key steps to make a cheesy baked zucchini casserole. You learned about the best ingredients, useful tips for prep, and how to avoid a watery dish. I shared ways to add protein and herbs for extra flavor. Storing leftovers properly helps keep your meal fresh and tasty. Remember these tips for a fun cooking experience. Enjoy creating this dish with your own twist!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/41d4fb70-21ef-46bd-b52f-fbdcd04deb3d-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole
Indulge in a delicious Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole that's perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal night. This easy recipe combines creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and layers of fresh zucchini for a dish that's as comforting as it is flavorful. Ready in just one hour, it's a fantastic way to eat your veggies! Click through to discover how to make this cheesy delight that everyone will love!