Description
Zucchini cheese casserole brings garden-fresh flavors to your dinner table, blending creamy textures with savory goodness. Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 ml) sliced zucchini
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) diced onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare an oven-ready culinary canvas by heating to 375°F and coating a 9×9-inch baking vessel with a protective layer of grease.
- Transform zucchini into tender morsels through gentle steaming or boiling for 3-5 minutes, ensuring optimal texture by thoroughly draining and patting dry.
- Craft a luxurious flavor foundation by whisking together tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, aromatic onion, pungent garlic, fragrant thyme, and seasoning elements to create a harmonious mixture.
- Delicately fold the prepared zucchini slices into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each slice is generously coated with the vibrant blend of ingredients.
- Seamlessly transfer the zucchini-cheese medley into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture to create an even, appetizing layer.
- Elevate the casserole’s texture by creating a crisp golden topping: combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle generously across the surface.
- Orchestrate a culinary transformation by baking in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown crown that signals perfect doneness.
- Allow the casserole a brief moment of rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and ensuring a pristine serving experience.
Notes
- Remove excess moisture from zucchini by patting it thoroughly with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy, rich texture.
- Substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version without compromising flavor and keeping the dish diet-friendly.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the casserole’s taste.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to enhance their crunchiness and create a more golden, crispy topping that adds texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg