There's nothing quite like the warmth of a Cheesy Zucchini Casserole fresh from the oven, with bubbling cheese and tender zucchini slices creating a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen. This dish brings comfort and joy, combining simple ingredients to make something truly memorable for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
I discovered this recipe when looking for a way to transform an overabundance of garden-fresh zucchini into something everyone would love. Now, it’s a family favorite that’s gone in minutes, with each cheesy, flavorful bite leaving us craving more.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Get ready to embrace a dish that's as satisfying as it is simple. This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is everything you want in a side dish or vegetarian main course.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this casserole – it’s straightforward and comes together in under an hour, including baking time. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners!
Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to use up extra zucchini when they’re in season. A few pantry staples and some shredded cheese transform humble veggies into a delectable meal, stretching your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. Whether you want to serve it alongside roasted chicken or make it the star of your vegetarian spread, it adapts beautifully. You can also adjust the level of spice or change up the cheeses to suit your taste.
Finally, the cheesy, melty goodness is the real highlight. With layers of zucchini and a rich, flavorful cheese blend, it’s pure comfort food that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole lies in using fresh, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s a closer look at each component and why it matters.
Zucchini is the heart of this casserole. Make sure to choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best results. Too large, and they can be watery; too small, and they lack the mild, sweet flavor that makes this dish sing. Slice them thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
The cheese blend is what makes this casserole so irresistible. I recommend using a combination of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Mozzarella adds that classic melty stretchiness, while sharp cheddar brings a punch of bold flavor. Feel free to mix in some Parmesan for extra depth.
For added texture and a touch of crunch, breadcrumbs come into play. You can use store-bought or make your own with day-old bread. A sprinkling of breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter creates a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender zucchini.
Onions and garlic are essential for building flavor. Sautéed until soft and fragrant, they form a savory base that complements the mildness of the zucchini. If you want a milder flavor, you can opt for shallots instead of onions.
Finally, a few eggs help bind everything together. The eggs add structure, ensuring that the casserole holds its shape once baked. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can reduce the eggs and add a touch of milk to keep the dish creamy.
How To Make This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Creating this scrumptious Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is simpler than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish worthy of any dinner table.
Start by prepping your zucchini. Wash and slice them into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. To avoid excess moisture, lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. This step draws out extra liquid and keeps your casserole from becoming watery. Once done, gently pat the slices dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Add half of the shredded cheese and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Gently fold in the zucchini slices, making sure they’re evenly coated in the egg mixture.
Pour the zucchini and egg mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by a layer of breadcrumbs. For an extra golden crust, drizzle a bit of melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
Storage Options
Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you notice the topping has softened, you can broil it for a couple of minutes to restore its crunch.
Freezing is also an option. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own.
Want to add a bit of spice? Mix in some red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños for a kick. This adds a whole new layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
For a lower-carb version, you can swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed almonds or skip them altogether. The casserole will still taste fantastic, though you’ll miss a bit of that crispy texture.
If you’d like to add some extra veggies, go for it! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced potatoes can be layered with the zucchini. Just be mindful of moisture content – some veggies may need a bit of pre-cooking.
Different cheeses can transform the flavor profile. Try a mix of gouda and Gruyère for a more sophisticated take, or keep it mild with just mozzarella if you’re feeding younger kids.
No matter how you customize this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, have fun with it and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. You’ll soon find your perfect combination and discover why this dish is a staple in so many homes!
PrintCheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This cheesy zucchini casserole is a perfect blend of tender zucchini, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping. It’s a delicious, family-friendly recipe that’s great as a side or even a hearty main. Enjoy the flavors of summer veggies with a cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchini, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, eggs, sour cream, garlic, and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the zucchini mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil.
- Use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini for a colorful presentation.
- This dish can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
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