This Loaded Zucchini Casserole is a warm, tasty dish packed with fresh zucchini, cheese, and all the good stuff. It’s like a hug in a pan, perfect for family dinners!
I love how simple it is to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, it sneaks in veggies, so you can feel good about serving it. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are the star here, bringing a mild flavor and great texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use yellow squash or eggplant for a similar result.
Cheese: I love combining cheddar and mozzarella for that cheesy goodness. If you want, you can switch the cheddar for Monterey Jack or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Bacon: This adds a nice crunch and flavor. You can easily leave it out for a vegetarian dish or substitute with turkey bacon or cooked sausage if you prefer.
Sour cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt works great as a healthier swap, and for a dairy-free option, you can use cashew cream or a non-dairy yogurt.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for This Casserole?
Sautéing your veggies properly makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to prevent burning. Add olive oil, then let it warm up before adding onions.
- Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds a lovely base flavor.
- Next, add minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
- Now, toss in the zucchini slices. Cook them for just 5-7 minutes. You want them to be slightly tender but still holding some crunch.
Taking your time with this step ensures your casserole has a delicious, well-rounded flavor. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Loaded Zucchini Casserole Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This loaded zucchini casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 40 minutes. That’s right—just a quick 40 minutes before you can dig into this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick when it’s done baking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, just until it smells amazing.
3. Cook the Zucchini
Now add your sliced zucchinis to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they are slightly tender. Be sure to season them with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning for an extra boost of flavor.
4. Mix Everything Together
Take the skillet off the heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked zucchini mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, crumbled bacon (if using), and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is loaded with goodness.
6. Top It Off
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This will give you that delicious golden top when it bakes!
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
8. Cool and Serve
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your comforting, cheesy Loaded Zucchini Casserole! It’s perfect as a main dish or a side—everyone’s going to love it!
FAQ About Loaded Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can mix in or replace the zucchini with other veggies like yellow squash, spinach, or bell peppers. Just ensure to sauté them adequately for the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, use non-dairy cheeses, such as cashew cheese or a vegan mozzarella. You can substitute sour cream with a plant-based yogurt and skip the mayo or replace it with a vegan version.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and leave it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a little extra time if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
