Zucchini and Cheese Casserole is a tasty and versatile dish that combines the mild flavor of zucchini with the richness of cheese. It’s a great way to use up zucchini and makes for a comforting side dish or a light main course. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for this casserole:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried basil or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (25g) bread crumbs (for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Zucchini:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until just tender. Drain any excess moisture and set aside.
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Cook Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Cook the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Make the Cream Sauce:
- Stir the heavy cream or milk into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the shredded cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Zucchini and Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooked zucchini into the cheese sauce, ensuring the zucchini is well coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Add Topping:
- If using, sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
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Cool and Garnish:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Zucchini: Make sure to cook the zucchini until just tender to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Cheese: Use a cheese that melts well for a creamy texture. You can mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: For a crispier topping, mix the bread crumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top.
Zucchini and Cheese Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of zucchini with a creamy, cheesy twist!
