Creamy Baked Zucchini & Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Sauté the vegetables:
    Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Make the creamy cheese mixture:
    In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar.
  4. Combine:
    Add the zucchini and sautéed onion mixture to the bowl. Gently toss until the zucchini is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
  5. Assemble:
    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top. Add breadcrumbs if using.
  6. Bake:
    Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is deeply golden.
  7. Brown the top:
    For an extra-crispy cheese crust, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
  8. Rest and serve:
    Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

⭐ Tips

  • Don’t skip drying the zucchini—it helps prevent a watery casserole.
  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken.
  • For a stronger cheese flavor, replace some of the cheddar with Gruyère.
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for about 3 days and reheat well in the oven.

Serves: 6–8
Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 35–45 minutes

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