We grow zucchini in our garden every summer, and we always end up with more zucchini than we can use in zucchini bread alone. Even though we share with anyone who will take it, we still sometimes end up with more zucchini than we know what to do with! This old fashioned zucchini casserole recipe is delicious way to enjoy and use up lots of zucchini, especially if you’re growing it in your garden during the summer months. The combination of cheeses – Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan – creates a rich and creamy texture that’s hard to resist, and the toasted Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to every bite. The whole family loves this dish and when I serve it to guests, it’s often the most popular thing on the table! It goes with all kind of proteins from grilled chicken or pork tenderloin to baked salmon and is right up there with Southern tomato pie and corn fritters for being one of my favorite summer vegetable recipes. For more of my best zucchini recipes, check out my Zucchini Fries, Zucchini Salad, Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Icing, Lemon Poppy Seed and Zucchini Bread, and Zucchini Noodles (AKA Zoodles)!
Why We Love This Recipe
This parmesan zucchini casserole recipe is a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a delicious way. Plus it’s naturally low-carb. You can serve it as a main dish or as a hearty side – it pairs well with chicken, beef, or even as part of a vegetarian meal. A few common kitchen tools and simple ingredients are all you need to create this delightful zucchini bake recipe.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Fresh Zucchini – The star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly sweet base. Kosher Salt – Used to draw out moisture from the zucchini, enhance the zucchini’s overall flavor, and season the sauce. Melted Butter – Adds richness and helps toast the Panko breadcrumbs. Sweet Onion – Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Minced Garlic Cloves – Adds a wonderful aromatic element. Heavy Cream – Contributes to the creamy sauce. Dried Basil – Provides a hint of herbal flavor. Onion Powder – Enhances the onion flavor. Dried Thyme – Adds a subtle earthiness. Dried Oregano – Brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor. Black Pepper – Adds a bit of heat and complexity. Shredded Gruyere Cheese – Offers a nutty and creamy texture. Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey texture. Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp and salty finish. Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides a crispy topping.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole
Tips for Success
Salting the zucchini slices is crucial to draw out excess water and prevent a watery casserole. Be sure to let the zucchini rest with the salt for at least 15 minutes and then pat them dry thoroughly. When assembling the casserole, try to layer the zucchini and sauce evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and that the casserole cooks uniformly. Using a combination of Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese gives the casserole a rich, complex flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina based on your preference. Toasting the Panko breadcrumbs in butter before adding them to the casserole adds a wonderful crunch. Make sure they are golden brown before sprinkling them on top to achieve the best texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute zucchini with yellow squash, or make zucchini squash casserole by taking a half-and-half approach and using both for added color and flavor. Swap Gruyere cheese with Swiss cheese or a sharp white cheddar if Gruyere is unavailable. Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream as a healthier alternative. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute for Panko breadcrumbs. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb breadcrumb alternative like almond meal.
More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
Amazing Sausage and Rice Casserole Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Pepperoni Casserole (Pizza Bake Recipe) Tuna Noodle Casserole
A crisp, fresh salad is a great side dish to balance the richness of the casserole. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. To add more variety, serve this casserole with roasted or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are excellent choices that add both color and nutrition to your meal. A slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll makes a great accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce. Garlic bread or herbed focaccia are particularly delicious options.
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