This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a comforting dish packed with flavor. The mix of tender zucchini and creamy cheese makes every bite feel like a warm hug!
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking bites straight from the dish! It’s a hit at our family dinners because it’s filling yet light, plus it’s super easy to whip up on a busy night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These are the stars of the dish! If you can’t find fresh zucchini or yellow squash, you can use other summer squashes like pattypan or a mix of other veggies, such as bell peppers or eggplant, for variety.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella create a delicious cheesy blend. You can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese if you prefer. For a tangy twist, try feta or goat cheese instead of part of the mozzarella.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These ingredients add creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream. Alternatively, use vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
Breadcrumbs: They add a crunchy topping. If gluten-free is your goal, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. You can even skip the topping for a more rustic look!
How Can You Get Your Zucchini to Taste Its Best?
The key to a great zucchini casserole is properly sautéing the vegetables before baking. This helps to bring out their natural flavors and reduces excess moisture.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and allow the oil or butter to warm up before adding the onion.
- Cook the onions until they’re soft, and let them become a little golden for added sweetness.
- When adding zucchini and yellow squash, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Allow the squash to soften but still retain some crispness. This way, they won’t turn mushy in the casserole. This process makes a big difference in texture and flavor!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy casserole ready to serve! Perfect for a cozy family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take out a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious!
3. Cook the Squash:
Next, toss in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the veggies cool slightly.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, gently fold in your sautéed vegetables along with the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Make sure everything is well mixed, so every bite is cheesy goodness!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixed ingredients into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to make sure it cooks uniformly.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a lovely crunchy topping once it’s baked!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and the top golden brown. It will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas!
9. Cool and Serve:
After you take it out, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion out. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy dish!
Whether as a side dish or a light meal on its own, this casserole is sure to please!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture and enhance their flavors.
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the cheeses with vegan cheese, replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt for the creamy components.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and take it to room temperature, then bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
