This baked zucchini spinach feta casserole is a delightful and healthy dish! It features fresh zucchini and spinach, mixed with creamy feta, all baked to perfection. Yum!
I love how simple this recipe is; just chop, mix, and bake! It’s a great side dish or a light meal. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. They’re tender and cook evenly. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a good alternative.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but you could swap it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a tangy flavor that complements the veggies. If you want a milder taste, try using goat cheese or ricotta instead. You won’t get the same saltiness, but it will be delicious!
Cheeses: I love a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for creaminess and flavor. You can use cheddar instead of mozzarella, but the dish will taste quite different.
Eggs: They help bind everything together. You can substitute with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) for a vegan option.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Set and Not Watery?
The key to a firm casserole lies in how you handle the moisture in your veggies. Zucchinis can hold a lot of water, so it’s best to sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- After sitting, pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel to remove more liquid.
- Consider baking the filled casserole for a few extra minutes if it appears too loose in the center.
- Let it cool for a bit after baking; it will firm up as it sets!
Easy Baked Zucchini Spinach Feta Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Veggies:
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Cheeses:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Essentials:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your tasty dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil to make cleanup easier.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are nice and soft and smelling wonderful!
3. Cook the Spinach:
Now, toss the chopped spinach into the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until it’s wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool a little.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until everything is well combined and fluffy.
5. Combine Everything:
Stir in the sautéed spinach and onion mix, along with the sliced zucchini, crumbled feta, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to ensure it’s evenly combined.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top for a delicious, cheesy crust!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and make sure the casserole is set in the middle.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit more before serving!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a bright touch. Ready to dig in? Enjoy your easy, flavorful zucchini spinach feta casserole warm!
FAQ for Easy Baked Zucchini Spinach Feta Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the mixture. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten in the ingredients. Just double-check that your cheese and any other additives are also labeled gluten-free!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy it as a meal or a side dish!
