Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Zucchini: A fresh, mild-flavored summer squash that adds texture and nutrition to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: A rich, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a sharp flavor.

Parmesan cheese: A hard, salty cheese that enhances the overall taste with its distinct flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping and helps bind the casserole together.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dish.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture and binds the ingredients.

Olive oil: Used for greasing the baking dish and adds a subtle flavor.

To ensure your zucchini doesn't become too watery, lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before combining with the other ingredients. This step helps maintain the desired texture of your casserole.

• zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Both have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them interchangeable in most recipes.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a creamy texture, though it has a milder flavor compared to cheddar.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier, sharper flavor that can enhance the dish.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less intense than fresh garlic.

• milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will make the dish richer and creamier, though it has a higher fat content.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• Allow the cheesy zucchini casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The zucchini will retain its texture and the cheese will stay flavorful.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's texture.
• Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• For a crispy topping, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese before reheating in the oven. This will revive the delightful crunch.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover cheesy zucchini casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the casserole is hot throughout.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover cheesy zucchini casserole to the skillet.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish or on a piece of aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t burn.
  4. Continue heating until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Large bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients together before transferring them to the baking dish.

• Baking dish: The container in which the casserole mixture is baked.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the zucchini, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil.

• Knife: Used to chop the onion and slice the zucchini.

• Cutting board: Surface used for chopping the onion and slicing the zucchini.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.

• Wooden spoon: Used to mix all the ingredients together in the large bowl.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Pre-slice the zucchini: Slice the zucchini in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.

Minced garlic in a jar: Opt for jarred minced garlic to skip the peeling and chopping.

Pre-chop the onion: Chop the onion ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.