Cheesy Zucchini Casserole 🥒🧀

This cheesy zucchini casserole is a luscious, savory dish that's perfect for using up those summer zucchinis! It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent side dish or a satisfying main course. With a crunchy topping that adds texture to the creamy filling, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your family dinners!

Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness! 🥗🍞

Ingredients

For the casserole filling

• 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten

For the topping

• 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (for a pop of flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, sautéed onion and garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.

🥄 Make sure to gently fold the ingredients to keep the zucchini slices intact and retain their texture in the final dish!

4. Spoon the zucchini mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika until well combined. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the zucchini mixture.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

🍽️ This casserole is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers can be reheated for an easy lunch or dinner!

Variations

• Herb-infused: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or basil for an aromatic twist! 🌿
• Meaty option: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or sausage to make it a heartier main course.
• Spinach & Feta: Swap half the zucchini for fresh spinach and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version! 🌶️

Enjoy your cheesy, comforting zucchini casserole – it's a great way to embrace the flavors of summer!