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To make this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, you need: - 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 1/2 cup milk, preferably whole - 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients work together to create a creamy and cheesy delight. The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan provides a rich taste that pairs nicely with the zucchini. You can customize your casserole with these optional ingredients: - Chopped bell peppers for added color and crunch - Spinach for a healthy twist - Cooked sausage or ground turkey for protein - Different cheese types like cheddar or feta for unique flavors Feel free to mix and match! Your additions can make this dish your own. Fresh zucchini is key to this recipe. It keeps the dish light and flavorful. When you use fresh zucchini, it adds moisture and a nice texture. It also helps balance the rich cheese. Look for firm zucchinis with shiny skin. Avoid ones that are soft or have blemishes. Fresh zucchini enhances the overall taste of your casserole. Trust me, it makes a big difference! For the full recipe, check out our detailed guide to get started on this tasty dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need zucchinis, onions, cheeses, eggs, milk, and seasonings. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun. 1. Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. 2. Cook the Zucchini: Toss in your sliced zucchinis. Stir them occasionally for 5-7 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This adds tons of flavor. 3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until frothy. Then, mix in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. This helps bind the casserole. 4. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed zucchini mix to the egg and cheese blend. Stir gently to coat the zucchini evenly. This step is key for a tasty casserole. 5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly with oil. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. This helps it cook uniformly. 1. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved breadcrumbs with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This crunchy topping adds texture. 2. Sprinkle and Bake: Spread the cheesy breadcrumb mix over the zucchini mixture in the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown, bubbly top as your cue. 3. Cool and Garnish: Let it cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds a lovely touch and freshness. These steps make it easy to create a cheesy zucchini casserole that everyone will love. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best texture in your Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, follow these steps: - Slice Zucchini Thinly: Keep the slices about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. - Sauté Properly: Cook the zucchini with the onions until just tender. Avoid overcooking, as this makes them mushy. - Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better, providing a fluffier texture. Many people make some simple mistakes when cooking this dish. Watch for these: - Using Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much milk or not draining the zucchini well. This can lead to a watery casserole. - Skipping Seasoning: Don't forget to season your mixture with salt and pepper. It makes a big difference in flavor. - Neglecting the Topping: The breadcrumb topping adds crunch. Don’t skip it! Want to take your casserole up a notch? Here are some ideas: - Add Fresh Herbs: Basil or thyme can brighten the dish. Just chop and mix them in. - Incorporate Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. - Mix in Other Veggies: Bell peppers or spinach can add color and taste. Just sauté them with the onions. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! {{image_4}} You can swap out the cheeses in this recipe. If you don't have mozzarella, try using cheddar or gouda. These cheeses melt well and add a nice flavor. For a lighter option, consider using cottage cheese. It gives a creamy texture without all the fat. You can mix and match to find your favorite taste. Feel free to add other veggies to your casserole. Spinach or kale works great for extra greens. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. You can also toss in mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just make sure to sauté them lightly first. This way, they won’t release too much water into the dish. To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Both options give a nice crunch on top. You can also use almond flour mixed with some herbs for flavor. Just remember to check your cheese labels to ensure they are gluten-free as well. To keep your cheesy zucchini casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it is sealed well to avoid drying out. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in, and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check that it is hot all the way through. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions, and let them cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as described above. Enjoy the deliciousness whenever you want! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. Yes, you can make Cheesy Zucchini Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as per the recipe. Once you mix the ingredients, cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method saves time on busy days and keeps the flavors fresh. This casserole pairs well with many sides. I suggest serving it with a crisp green salad. The fresh veggies add crunch and balance the cheesy dish. Roasted chicken also makes a great choice. The savory chicken complements the flavors of zucchini and cheese. For a light meal, consider serving it with steamed broccoli or green beans. These options create a well-rounded plate. You can tell when the casserole is done by checking the top. It should be golden brown and bubbly. Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. If you see some wet mix on the knife, bake it a bit longer. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! This blog post covered how to make Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. We explored key ingredients and why fresh zucchini is vital. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and how to avoid common mistakes. We also discussed tasty variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In the end, this dish is simple and delicious. It’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Enjoy making it your own for family and friends!

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Indulge in a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Casserole that is perfect for any meal! This easy recipe features layers of sautéed zucchini, rich cheeses, and savory spices, all baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, it's a great way to enjoy veggies while satisfying your cheese cravings. Click through to explore this simple and delightful recipe that your whole family will love! Don't miss out on trying this culinary delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup milk, preferably whole

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

    Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

      Cook the Zucchini: Add in the thinly sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir occasionally, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is just tender but not mushy. Season this mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

        Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 1/2 cup of milk until well combined and frothy. Then, gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest for topping later.

          Combine Ingredients: Take the sautéed zucchini mixture and add it to the egg and cheese blend. Stir everything together gently until the zucchini is evenly coated with the mixture.

            Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly with oil or cooking spray, then pour the combined mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

              Make the Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the reserved breadcrumbs with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Toss them together until well combined and sprinkle this cheesy breadcrumb topping evenly over the zucchini mixture in the casserole dish.

                Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning.

                  Cool and Garnish: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant contrast and a hint of freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Serving Suggestion: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or serve it alongside roasted chicken for a complete meal. Delight your guests with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top!