If you’re swimming in fresh zucchini from the garden or local market, there’s no better way to use it than in this cheesy zucchini casserole. This comforting, crowd-pleasing dish blends the earthy flavor of zucchini with rich, melty cheese and a golden crust that’s irresistibly satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner and hearty enough to serve as a main course with a few tweaks.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing guests at a potluck, this zucchini casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s also packed with nutrients. According to the USDA’s nutritional data, zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium—making this dish both indulgent and nutritious.

The cheese is what ties it all together, giving it that signature creamy texture and savory richness. Choosing the right cheese matters: as this guide from Serious Eats explains, some cheeses melt more smoothly and add more depth to your dishes than others. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are top picks for this recipe, and we’ll show you how to blend them perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food at its finest
Quick to prepare and bake
A great way to use up fresh zucchini
Easily adaptable for dietary needs
Works as a side dish or main course

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini

Adding more zucchini to your meals is a smart choice:

High in antioxidants and vitamin A
Low in carbs, making it keto-friendly
Rich in water and fiber, promoting digestion
Naturally gluten-free

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect cheesy zucchini casserole:

Zucchini (grated or thinly sliced)
Eggs (for binding)
Shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/parmesan mix)
Bread cubes, croutons, or cracker crumbs
Chopped onions
Garlic (minced or powder)
Butter or olive oil
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to tailor this dish to your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps:

Use gluten-free bread or omit bread for a low-carb version
Replace dairy cheese with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option
Add cooked quinoa or brown rice instead of bread for a healthier grain option
Use egg substitute if avoiding eggs

Choosing the Best Zucchini

For best results, choose medium-sized zucchini with:

Firm texture and glossy skin
No soft spots or cuts
Smaller seeds (avoid overly mature zucchini)

Prepping for Maximum Flavor

Enhance flavor and texture with these prep tips:

Drain grated zucchini using a cheesecloth or press to remove moisture
Toast bread or sauté onions for added flavor depth
Mix some of the cheese into the base and reserve some for the topping

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to assemble and bake your casserole:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil
Grate or slice zucchini, salt lightly, and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture
Sauté onions and garlic in butter until translucent
In a bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, cheese, bread cubes, seasonings, and sautéed onions
Mix until everything is well combined
Transfer to baking dish and press down gently
Top with remaining cheese
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly

Delicious Variations to Try

Customize your casserole with these ideas:

Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for protein
Stir in diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers
Use seasoned stuffing mix instead of bread
Top with French-fried onions or seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cheesy zucchini casserole with:

A crisp garden salad
Grilled chicken or salmon
A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast

Storage & Reheating Tips

Keep your casserole fresh and tasty:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in microwave
Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and sealed in a freezer bag

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure the best results:

Not draining zucchini enough – leads to watery casserole
Overbaking – can dry out cheese and bread
Using cheese that doesn’t melt well – choose varieties with good meltability

FAQs

Can I freeze cheesy zucchini casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, portion it, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best texture.

Do you peel zucchini before baking?
No need! The skin is tender and adds texture and nutrients.

How do you keep zucchini casserole from getting watery?
Salt and drain your grated zucchini before baking. Squeezing out moisture is key.

What cheese goes best with zucchini?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan offer the best flavor and melt combination.

Is zucchini casserole healthy?
Absolutely! It’s full of fiber, low in calories, and can be customized to suit various diets.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy zucchini casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a go-to comfort dish that celebrates summer vegetables and pantry staples. It’s easy to personalize, rich in flavor, and sure to satisfy every appetite. Whether you’re making it as a side or turning it into a hearty main course, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Looking to elevate your weeknight dinner? Try this cheesy zucchini casserole—and enjoy the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent.