If you're looking for a simple, comforting, and flavor-packed way to use up extra zucchini, this Cheesy Zucchini Bake is the perfect solution! It's creamy, savory, and loaded with melted cheese, making it a hearty, meatless meal that's great for the fall season. Made with tender zucchini, melty cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs, each bite is rich, satisfying, and melts in your mouth!
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This tasty casserole transforms basic, everyday ingredients into something truly amazing. Whether you serve it as a main course or a savory side dish, it's sure to bring comfort and warmth to any table. Proof that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious, this recipe is sure to become a kitchen staple!
If you love cooking with zucchini as much as I do, there are plenty of other delicious ways to enjoy it! Try our Zucchini Patties for a crispy, golden appetizer or light lunch, or make a batch of Air Fryer Zucchini Fries for a healthier twist on a classic snack. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, our Chocolate Zucchini Cake is moist, rich, and the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, buttery flavor and crispy topping.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, side, and bring it to potlucks and family gatherings-like my Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, which pairs beautifully with this bake.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you're ready for an effortless meal.
- Customizable: Easy to mix in extra veggies, different cheeses, or even diced chicken for variety-just like in my White Cheddar Mac & Chicken Bake, which blends pasta, chicken, and veggies with creamy cheese and lets you tweak ingredients as you like.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully: Enjoy it again the next day - it's just as tasty, if not better!
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make this baked zucchini recipe!
- Zucchini: Use either chopped or thinly sliced depending on your preference.
- Onion adds a subtle sweetness to the bake. Be sure to chop it finely so that it blends well with the texture of the other ingredients.
- Olive oil or butter are used to sauté the onion and bring richness to the dish.
- Egg acts as a binder and holds all of the ingredients together.
- Garlic salt is a staple seasoning that packs in the flavor while keeping it simple.
- Italian seasoning adds a savory, herb-infused flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes bring the perfect amount of heat to balance out the creamy cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor and melts perfectly throughout the bake. Use either freshly shredded or pre-shredded.
- Mozzarella cheese adds gooey, melty richness to the bake and balances out the sharpness of the cheddar. Freshly shredded or pre-shredded both work great.
- Crushed buttery crackers add a buttery crunch throughout the bake.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick to the crispy topping
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it extra cheesy: For maximum cheesiness, feel free to add extra cheese. If possible, use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more creaminess.
- Switch up the cheese: Don't be afraid to customize your cheese choices! Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Colby Jack add delicious flavor twists.
- Cracker alternative: Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of crackers if preferred. They add that crisp, crunchy texture while being a bit lighter.
- Mix in yellow squash: Sneak in even more veggies by adding yellow squash-it pairs beautifully with zucchini and blends right in.
- Add a protein boost: Mix in cooked, shredded chicken, ground turkey, or sausage to turn this bake into a hearty main dish.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the same golden crunch without the gluten.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a subtle kick of heat.
- Herb it up: Fresh parsley, thyme, or chives add brightness and a pop of fresh flavor to every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F, grease a 9x9-inch baking dish, and sauté onion in oil or butter until soft, about 4-5 minutes - then follow the steps below for this zucchini casserole.
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine chopped zucchini, sautéed onion, garlic salt, herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the crushed crackers.
- Step 2: Add the beaten egg and mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter
- Step 5: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Helpful Tips
- Zucchini prep: There's no need to peel the zucchini for this recipe-just wash it well before slicing or chopping.
- Grated zucchini: If you're short on time or prefer a softer texture, shred your zucchini using a box grater instead of chopping or slicing. It may cook faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
- Remove excess moisture: If your zucchini seems watery, lightly pat it dry with paper towels before mixing. This helps prevent a soggy bake.
- Don't overmix: Mix the ingredients just until everything is evenly combined. Overmixing can make the casserole dense instead of tender.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese gives you a creamier, more flavorful bake.
- Even layers matter: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan for consistent baking and a perfectly golden top.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow the bake to sit for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven so the flavors meld and the texture sets.
Recipe FAQs
Zucchini naturally holds a lot of moisture. To prevent a soggy bake, lightly pat the chopped or shredded zucchini dry with paper towels before mixing, and avoid over mixing the batter.
Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even seasoned stuffing mix make great substitutes if you don't have buttery crackers on hand.
Yes! For individual portions, you can divide the cheesy zucchini mixture into greased ramekins or muffins tins and reduce the bake time by about 10-15 minutes. This is a great way to meal prep or make individual portions for get-togethers.
Absolutely! You can prep the zucchini bake mixture a couple hours ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for around 20 minutes before putting it in the oven so that it bakes evenly.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers of your cheesy zucchini bake, cut it into squares and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
It's not recommended to freeze this dish after it has been baked as the texture can become soggy when thawed.
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Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 3 cups zucchini (about 3 medium-sized) (chopped or thinly sliced )
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon salt)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
For the Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ½ cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9x9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion in olive oil or butter until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped zucchini, sautéed onion, beaten egg, garlic salt, herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the crushed crackers. Mix until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
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