Garden Zucchini Casserole

Garden Zucchini Casserole is the kind of cozy, home-style dish that turns simple summer vegetables into something warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. Tender slices of fresh zucchini are layered with a creamy, cheesy base and finished with a golden, crunchy topping that bakes up beautifully in the oven. Every bite is soft, savory, and lightly crisp on top—perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main.

What makes this casserole special is its balance of textures and flavors. The zucchini stays tender without becoming watery, the creamy filling brings richness, and the breadcrumb topping adds just enough crunch to make the dish irresistible. It’s an ideal recipe when your garden (or market basket) is overflowing with zucchini and you want an easy, reliable way to use it.

This casserole fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners, potlucks, and holiday tables. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and can be customized with herbs, cheeses, or add-ins depending on what you have on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses fresh, simple ingredients
• Great way to use up garden zucchini
• Creamy inside with a crispy, golden topping
• Easy to make ahead and bake later
• Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main

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Preparation & Baking Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 35–40 minutes
• Total time: About 55 minutes

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Core Ingredients for Making the Recipe

For the Casserole

• 3–4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the Topping

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

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Step-by-Step

Guide to Making the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Slice the zucchini thinly and place it in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Stir in the sautéed onion and shredded cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add the sliced zucchini to the bowl and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

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Flavor Variations & Creative Twists

• Add minced garlic to the onions for extra depth
• Mix in cooked mushrooms or spinach
• Swap cheddar for Gruyère or feta
• Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky touch
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed

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How to Serve

Garden Zucchini Casserole pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or fish. It also works well as a standalone vegetarian dish served with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.

Leftovers are delicious reheated and even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

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Tips & Variations

• Always remove excess moisture from zucchini to prevent a watery casserole
• Don’t overbake—remove once the center is just set
• For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours

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Final Thoughts

Garden Zucchini Casserole is comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and full of garden-fresh flavor. It transforms humble zucchini into a creamy, golden dish that feels both familiar and special. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this casserole is an easy win that never disappoints.

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FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze zucchini casserole?
It can be frozen, but the texture will be softer when reheated. Best enjoyed fresh.

How do I keep it from getting watery?
Salting and drying the zucchini is the key step—don’t skip it.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based sour cream alternative.

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