This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a warm, comforting dish packed with creamy cheese and tender veggies. It’s like sunshine on a plate!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up! Just combine sliced zucchini, cheese, and a few herbs, and pop it in the oven. Perfect for using up garden produce—especially if you plant too many! 😄
Whenever I make this casserole, I enjoy serving it with a side salad. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into dinner while being super tasty and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These two veggies are the star of the dish! If you have other squash like patty pan or even eggplant, feel free to mix them in. The important part is slicing them thin, so they cook evenly.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella bring gooeyness and flavor. If you want to keep it lighter, you can use part-skim versions or try reduced-fat cheese. For a different flavor, swap in pepper jack or feta!
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These add creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute for sour cream, while cottage cheese can replace mayonnaise for a lower-fat version. It might change the texture slightly but will still taste good!
Breadcrumbs: While optional, they add a nice crunch. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a crunchy topping.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Casserole?
Getting that rich flavor in your casserole relies a lot on your initial steps. Sautéing the onion and garlic first opens up their natural sugars and enhances the dish’s overall taste. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic—cook until the onion is soft. This takes just 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t rush adding the garlic; cooking it for just a minute helps release its aromatic qualities without turning bitter.
Follow these simple techniques, and you’ll have a flavorful, delicious casserole every time!
Easy 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
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray so that everything bakes perfectly without sticking.
2. Sauté The Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic for another minute until it’s fragrant. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, yellow squash, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs, dried Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well blended.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, but remember to save about 1/4 cup of each to sprinkle on top later. Make sure everything is combined well!
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
6. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the casserole. Then, add the Parmesan cheese and, if you’re using it, spread the breadcrumbs for a delicious crunchy topping. It gives a nice texture contrast!
7. Baking Time:
Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for it to be set and a lovely golden brown bubbly top.
8. Serve It Up:
After taking it out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. This will help everything settle down nicely. Then, if you wish, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy zucchini squash casserole as a delightful side dish or a light main course!
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! You can substitute other squash varieties like patty pan or even butternut squash. Just make sure they’re sliced thinly so they cook evenly in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. It also makes for a great meal prep option!
Can I Substitute the Dairy Ingredients for a Healthier Version?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cottage cheese as a substitute for mayonnaise. Just note that this may change the texture a bit, but it will still be delicious.
