This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a warm and comforting dish packed with fresh zucchini, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping. It’s super simple to make!
Honestly, you might find yourself going back for seconds! I love serving it with a side salad for a bright touch. If you’re like me, a little extra cheese on top never hurts! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Both bring a mild flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find them, any summer squash can work. I love using a mix of both for color and variety in taste!
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully! You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor. For mozzarella, try using any mild melting cheese you like.
Sour Cream: It adds creaminess to the casserole. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. It’ll still give that creamy texture without the extra fat.
Seasonings: Thyme or Italian seasoning adds nice flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can replace dried ones if they are available to you. Fresh brings more brightness!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Vegetables?
The key to a great casserole is the right preparation of the vegetables. Thinly slicing the zucchini and squash allows them to soften properly during baking. Here’s how:
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even, thin slices.
- Salting the sliced vegetables before mixing can help extract excess moisture. Just sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry.
- Mixing in a bit of garlic with the vegetables adds flavor and depth to the dish.
These simple steps will ensure your casserole is perfectly textured and tasty! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Time Estimate:
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thinly sliced zucchini, yellow squash, onion, and minced garlic. This combination will form the flavorful base of your casserole.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until you have a smooth mixture. This will help bind everything and give it a creamy texture.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the vegetable mixture. Then, pour the whisked egg mixture over it all. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy goodness!
6. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes, which helps it to set a bit. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color.
This cheesy zucchini squash casserole is creamy, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or a tasty vegetarian main course. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While zucchini and yellow squash are the stars of this dish, you can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Just keep in mind the cooking times as some vegetables may require slight adjustments.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’d prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier twist. Both options will maintain the creaminess of the dish without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance! Just follow the steps up to transferring it to the baking dish, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to cover it with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
