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- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese I love using fresh zucchinis for this dish. They bring a lovely texture and taste. Unsalted butter is key as it lets the garlic shine. I always use fresh garlic because it makes everything pop. The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan adds creaminess and depth. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste Seasonings really enhance the flavors. Dried oregano and thyme work well with zucchini. A pinch of salt and some black pepper balance everything perfectly. - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - Fresh parsley for garnish Panko breadcrumbs are my secret to a crunchy topping. They add a delightful texture. Fresh parsley not only looks great but also adds a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. - Step 1: Preheat the oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for the best bake. - Step 2: Sauté garlic in butter In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic. - Step 3: Add zucchini and seasonings Next, add 4 sliced zucchinis to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The zucchinis should be tender but still have some crunch. - Step 4: Cool the mixture Remove the skillet from heat and let the zucchini mix cool for 2-3 minutes. Cooling helps keep the cheese from melting too fast. - Step 5: Mix with cheeses In a big bowl, combine the zucchini mixture with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to mix everything evenly. - Step 6: Prepare the casserole Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or extra butter. Pour the zucchini mix into the dish and spread it out evenly. - Step 7: Add the topping In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mix over the top for a crunchy finish. - Step 8: Bake and garnish Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. After baking, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. For the complete cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy your garlic butter zucchini casserole! To make your Garlic Butter Zucchini Casserole shine, pay attention to a few key steps. First, avoid burnt garlic. When you sauté garlic, keep a close eye on it. Garlic cooks quickly. If it turns too brown, it can taste bitter. Aim for a light golden color for the best flavor. Next, ensure your zucchini retains its crunch. Cook the zucchini just enough to soften slightly. It should still have some bite. If you cook it too long, it becomes mushy. Remember, you want that nice mix of tender and crunchy in every bite. When serving your casserole, think about presentation. You can serve it warm right from the dish for a casual feel. For a fancier look, place individual portions on plates. Garnish each plate with more chopped parsley. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds elegance too. Pair your casserole with side dishes. A fresh salad or crusty bread complements the flavors well. You might also enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. Want to boost the flavor of your casserole? Add spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. You can also try fresh herbs like basil or chives for a burst of freshness. If you’re a cheese lover, consider alternative cheese options. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor. Feta cheese can bring a nice tang. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. You can even mix and match to create a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_4}} You can switch the cheeses in this casserole for new tastes. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, making the dish rich and creamy. Feta cheese offers a tangy twist, giving a Mediterranean touch. If you prefer dairy-free options, vegan cheese substitutes work well. Look for vegan mozzarella or cheddar to keep the same texture. Boost the protein in your casserole by adding ground turkey or chicken. Cook the meat separately and mix it in with the zucchini. This addition makes the dish heartier. You can also use beans like black beans or chickpeas for a plant-based option. They add protein and fiber, making the meal more filling. Feel free to add other vegetables to your casserole. Bell peppers and onions can enhance the flavor and color. Just chop them up and sauté with the zucchini. You can also use summer squash for a similar texture. Mixing in different veggies makes the dish fun and colorful. You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe. To keep your Garlic Butter Zucchini Casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the casserole in an airtight container. This will help seal in moisture and flavor. If you do not have an airtight container, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This will also work well. Consume the leftovers within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to save the casserole for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. For reheating, first thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. In the fridge, the casserole lasts for about three to four days. After this time, it may not taste as good. Look for signs that it has gone bad, like a sour smell or mold. If you see any discoloration or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Zucchini Casserole fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. To do this, follow these tips: - Prep the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis and sauté them with garlic as the recipe states. - Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture cool down before mixing in the cheeses. - Assemble the Casserole: Place the mixture in your greased baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. - Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake When Ready: When you want to bake it, remove it from the fridge, uncover, and bake as the recipe suggests. This method saves time and is perfect for busy days. Yes, it can be gluten-free! Here are some alternatives: - Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Instead of panko, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. - Check Cheese Labels: Ensure that the cheeses you use are gluten-free, as some brands may add fillers. - Watch Seasonings: Most dried herbs and spices are gluten-free, but check for any added ingredients. These swaps make the casserole safe for gluten-free eaters. You can easily make this casserole more filling by adding: - Whole Grains: Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice to add fiber and protein. - Proteins: Incorporate cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans for extra heartiness. - Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition. These options will turn your dish into a more balanced meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious garlic butter zucchini casserole. We covered the main ingredients like zucchini, garlic, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and exciting variations. This casserole is versatile, easy to store, and fun to share. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy this simple yet tasty meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Zucchini Casserole

Whip up a delicious Garlic Butter Zucchini Casserole that combines the rich flavors of garlic and cheese with tender zucchini for a satisfying meal! This simple recipe features golden breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, it's quick to prepare and sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish and bring comfort to your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your casserole is ready to bake.

    Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a spacious skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can have a bitter taste.

      Cook the Zucchini: Incorporate the sliced zucchinis into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Season generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchinis are slightly tender yet still crisp to the bite.

        Cool the Zucchini Mixture: Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and allow the zucchini mixture to cool slightly for about 2-3 minutes. This will help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when combined.

          Mix with Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked zucchini and garlic with the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little additional butter to prevent sticking. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

              Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the zucchini casserole to create a delightful, crunchy topping.

                Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden brown and bubbly, indicating that it's perfectly cooked.

                  Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Before serving, generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm right from the baking dish for a casual presentation, or serve individual portions on plates. For an elegant touch, sprinkle additional chopped parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this flavorful dish that beautifully combines creamy, garlicky goodness with a satisfying crunch!