This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole is a comforting dish filled with fresh zucchini, creamy cheese, and tasty spices. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
I love how this casserole is so easy to whip up. Just chop, mix, and bake! Plus, it makes for great leftovers—if there’s any left! Who can resist cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These two squash varieties are the stars of this dish. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with any summer squash like pattypan or even eggplant for a different flavor.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a deliciously cheesy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try part-skim mozzarella or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You could also mix in some pepper jack cheese for a little kick!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess to the casserole. If you prefer a lighter option, low-fat sour cream or yogurt works well. For a vegan twist, try using cashew cream or silken tofu instead.
Breadcrumbs: They give a lovely crunch on top! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko work too. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed nuts as a topping.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
The key to a flavorful casserole is properly sautéing your onions and garlic. This step builds a rich base of flavor.
- Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute—this helps boost the flavor!
- Mix the sautéed onions and garlic into the squash for a well-rounded taste in your casserole.
Taking the time to sauté properly makes a big difference in the final dish!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, sliced yellow squash, and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Then add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until all the veggies are coated.
4. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese into the vegetable mixture until combined. This will give your casserole that delicious cheesy flavor.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the surface.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
7. Final Touches:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This step helps it set up a bit.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you’d like, then serve warm. This cheesy zucchini squash casserole is sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Cheeses in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or mix different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese for a delicious twist. Just remember that stronger-flavored cheeses will change the overall taste.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, it might need an extra few minutes in the oven since it will be coming straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavor often gets even better the next day!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just chop them up and mix them in with the zucchini and squash for added flavor and nutrition.
