Cheesy Zucchini Herb Casserole Summer Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared at a mountain of zucchini and wondered what to do? This zucchini casserole dish is your answer! Honestly, it's cheesy, herby, and the ultimate comfort food.

Brief Overview

This is a riff on classic American bake off winner casseroles. It's also super easy and quick to make. Prep takes about 20 minutes , baking another 30- 35 minutes , and serves 6-8 happy people.

Main Benefits

It's packed with veggies and flavour! Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients. This cheesy vegetable casserole is perfect for a potluck or easy weeknight dinner.

Okay, let's get this casserole business sorted, shall we? This creamy zucchini casserole is proper easy and uses just a few ingredients. You know?

Cheesy Zucchini & Herb Casserole: Summer Comfort Food

Want a seriously tasty way to use up all that summer squash ? This easy zucchini recipe for dinner is it! It combines simple ingredients like cheese and herbs.

It becomes a comforting and flavorful dish. This oven squash recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You'll Love This Dish

This squash cheese casserole is a crowd pleaser. I mean, who can resist a cheesy, bubbling casserole? It's also surprisingly healthy and packed with flavour.

Honestly, it's one of the best summer squash recipes going around.

You know, my nan used to make something similar. Although, she put mashed potatoes on the top. Each to their own! This is a light main dish that's perfect on its own, or as a side.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Dishes

Okay, let's get this casserole business sorted, shall we? A good zucchini bake recipe is a summer must have. Forget mushy, bland oven squash recipes ! This cheesy zucchini and herb casserole is a winner.

It’s proper summer squash casserole recipes level good. Trust me on this one.

Main Ingredients: The Star Line-Up

This squash cheese casserole is all about fresh ingredients. Good quality is key, especially with the zucchini . You know, those slightly firm ones that aren't too bendy?

• Zucchini: 2 lbs (900g), thinly sliced (about 4 medium zucchini).
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml).
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml).
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated, divided.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated, divided.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (15g) chopped.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (5 ml).
• Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml).
• Panko Bread Crumbs (Optional): 1/4 cup (25g).
• Melted Butter (Optional): 1 tbsp (15ml).

Seasoning Notes: Herbs & Spices

The herb combo here is crucial. Basil and oregano give that Mediterranean vibe. It's like a sun-drenched holiday on a plate. You can swap parsley for chives if you are feeling adventurous.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) Baking Dish.
• Mixing Bowls.
• Grater.
• Knife.
• Cutting board.

A baking dish is a must. You could use a smaller zucchini casserole dishes if needed and adjust the baking time a bit.

Ready to make some easy zucchini recipes for dinner ? Or maybe even create a bake off winner?. This creamy zucchini casserole is versatile.

Serve it as a light main dish recipes or a side.

I once made this for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! Honestly, the empty dish was the real vegetarian zucchini bake testament to its deliciousness.

Cheesy Zucchini & Herb Casserole: Summer Comfort Food

Okay, let's get this casserole business sorted, shall we? This easy zucchini casserole is the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini.

I mean, honestly, what's better than turning a pile of veggies into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece? A riff on classic American casseroles, but with a Mediterranean twist thanks to the herbs.

It's a simple way to use up that mountain of zucchini from your garden (or, you know, the supermarket). This comforting dish, full of flavour, is sure to be a hit.

Think of it as a cheesy vegetable hug in a baking dish.

This vegetarian zucchini bake recipe is super easy. It's all about chopping, mixing, and baking. Even if you're not exactly a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this.

Prep Steps to Bake Off Winner!

Essential mise en place:

First, thinly slice 2 lbs (900g) zucchini . Next, chop 1 medium yellow onion , and mince 2 cloves garlic . Grate 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan and 1/4 cup (25g) Cheddar .

Chop 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil and 2 tbsp fresh parsley . Gather the 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml), 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, 1 tsp dried oregano (5 ml), 1/2 tsp salt (2.

5 ml), and 1/4 tsp black pepper (1.25 ml) . Seriously, get everything ready.

Time saving organization tips:

Chop the onion and garlic while the skillet heats. Whisk the sauce ingredients while the zucchini softens. It's all about multitasking, innit?

step-by-step: From Garden to Gorgeous

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. No one wants a stuck casserole.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Then, add garlic for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Zucchini: Throw in the zucchini slices. Cook until slightly softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Stir now and then.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk, half of the Parmesan cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper . This is where the magic happens.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the cream mixture over the zucchini in the skillet. Stir gently to combine, then pour into the baking dish.
6. Add Topping (Optional): Mix 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter . Sprinkle over the casserole. Top with the remaining parmesan and cheddar.
7. Bake: Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Rest: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Patience, my friend!

Pro Tips for That Je ne sais quoi

• Salt the Zucchini: Toss zucchini with salt, let sit for 15 minutes , then pat dry. This gets rid of extra water and stops it going soggy. I learned this the hard way.
• Don't Overcook: Cook zucchini until just tender. Mushy zucchini is a crime against casseroles.

Recipe Notes for Your Cheesy Zucchini Dream

Okay, let's get this casserole business sorted, shall we? Baking a zucchini bake recipe should be fun, not stressful! Here are my notes and tips from making zucchini casserole dishes , so you can avoid the pitfalls I've stumbled into.

Honestly, I've learned a thing or two about making the perfect cheesy vegetable casserole over the years.

Serving Suggestions: The Art of Casserole Presentation

Presentation matters, even for a humble summer squash casserole recipes ! For plating, think simple: a generous scoop in a pretty bowl, sprinkled with extra fresh basil.

Gorgeous! To make it a meal, serve with a side of grilled chicken. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness perfectly.

This is perfect with Oven Squash Recipes

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Fresh

Right, storage. If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), fridge them in an airtight container. They'll last 3-4 days . Don't freeze this dish the texture of the zucchini goes a bit weird.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. I bet this will be the Best Summer Squash Recipes you have ever tried.

Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste

Want to make it lighter? Easy peasy. Try swapping heavy cream for vegetable stock it still tastes amazing. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

So simple, right? For a vegetarian version, just ensure your cheese is vegetarian friendly or try a plant based Light Main Dish Recipes

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body the Delicious Way

This creamy zucchini casserole has goodness inside! Each serving clocks in around 250-300 calories . It's packed with protein and fibre.

You know, Easy zucchini recipes for dinner are delicious and good for you.

With these tips, you're set to create a bake off winner squash cheese casserole . Go on, give it a go you'll nail it!