Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

$- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil In this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, the main stars are the zucchinis. Their fresh taste shines through. The cheeses add a rich, creamy layer. I love to use cheddar for its sharpness, and ricotta for creaminess. Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. Next, we have the onion and garlic. They add depth and warmth to the dish. I always chop the onion finely for even cooking. The garlic should be minced to release its full flavor. Eggs bind everything together, making the casserole firm yet fluffy. For added flavor, I sometimes add red pepper flakes. They give a slight heat, but this is optional. You can adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping, and the olive oil keeps them golden brown. If you're looking for a twist, feel free to switch some ingredients. You can explore different cheeses or add fresh herbs. This recipe is versatile and fun to customize. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. I love the smell of a warm kitchen. First, preheating the oven makes everything cozy. Greasing the dish helps the casserole come out easily. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. - Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, I heat olive oil in a skillet. The oil helps cook the onions. I add the chopped onion and stir it until it turns clear. This takes about five minutes. Then, I throw in the minced garlic. It cooks for a minute and fills the kitchen with a lovely scent. - Combine sliced zucchinis, cooked onion and garlic, cheeses, eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Mix well and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. - Top with olive-oil-coated breadcrumbs. Now comes the fun part! I take a big bowl and add the sliced zucchinis. Next, I mix in the cooked onion and garlic. I also add the cheeses, eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once it’s all in, I mix well. Then, I pour everything into the greased dish. Finally, I sprinkle olive-oil-coated breadcrumbs on top. This gives a nice crunch. - Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. - Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. I place the dish in the oven. It bakes for 30 to 35 minutes. The top gets golden brown, and the kitchen smells amazing! After baking, I let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle before we dig in. - Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish. - Use different cheese combinations for varied flavors. These small changes can boost your dish. Fresh herbs add a bright taste and a nice look. You can mix cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese to change the flavor. Each cheese offers something unique. Try different blends to find your favorite. - For a crunchier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. - Adjust breadcrumbs for desired crispiness. Broiling gives the casserole a delightful crunch. Just watch it closely; it can burn fast! For the breadcrumbs, you can use more or less based on your taste. More crumbs mean a crunchier bite, while fewer crumbs give a softer top. - Increase or decrease cooking time based on zucchini thickness. - Ensure the casserole is cooked until zucchini is tender. Thicker zucchini slices need more time in the oven. Keep an eye on it and test with a fork. You want the zucchini soft but not mushy. Adjusting the cooking time helps you get the perfect texture every time. For the Full Recipe, check out the complete guide to making this tasty dish! {{image_2}} You can make your Cheesy Zucchini Casserole even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers for some crunch. They can add color and taste. Mushrooms are another great choice. They give a rich flavor that pairs well with zucchini. If you want a twist, swap zucchini for summer squash. It’s just as tasty and adds a different look. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well in the dish. For a vegan version, substitute with plant-based cheeses. This keeps the creamy texture while making it dairy-free. Both choices allow everyone to enjoy this dish. To boost the flavor, add some Italian seasoning. This gives the casserole a nice herbal taste. If you like heat, diced jalapeños are a fun addition. They bring a spicy kick that many will love. Adjust the spice based on your taste. You can make this dish fit any palate. For the full recipe, check the link above. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week. Just remember to let it cool before sealing. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. This is a great option if you want to prepare ahead. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. It will be ready to bake the next day! To reheat, put the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Just know that the texture may change a bit. Enjoy your cheesy goodness! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it before serving. This makes it easy for busy days. Fresh zucchini is preferred for best flavor and texture. However, thawed frozen zucchini can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain excess water after thawing. I love to pair it with a mixed green salad or crusty bread. This adds freshness and makes it a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I suggest keeping them in an airtight container for best freshness. Yes! This casserole freezes well and is great for meal prep or leftovers. You can make a big batch and enjoy it later. This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Zucchini Casserole recipe. We explored key ingredients, detailed easy steps, and shared tips for extra flavor. You can make it your own with variations and storage tips. Consider adding herbs or spices to find your favorite taste. This dish is simple, fun, and great for meal prep. Enjoy this delicious casserole with friends and family anytime!$

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, a comforting dish that's perfect for any meal! With layers of fresh zucchini, rich cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's an ideal side dish or main course.

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, cooked onion and garlic, ricotta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil until the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the zucchini is tender.

Remove from the oven and let sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color, and serve alongside a simple mixed green salad for a well-rounded meal.