If you are looking for a comforting side dish that brings together fresh garden flavors with irresistible cheesy goodness, then this Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. This dish celebrates tender zucchini and yellow squash bathed in a luscious creamy sauce and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfectly golden on top and melt-in-your-mouth soft beneath, it’s a wonderfully simple way to transform humble vegetables into a show-stopping casserole that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of creaminess, seasoning, and cheesy melt you want in a casserole. Each element plays a vital role in contributing to the texture, flavor, and color that make this dish so memorable.
- 3 medium zucchini: Provides fresh, mild flavor and a tender bite that’s essential to the casserole’s base.
- 3 medium yellow squash: Adds sweetness and beautiful golden color to brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: The luxurious richness that envelops the vegetables, creating the creamy sauce that brings everything together.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth to the cream mixture, enhancing the overall cheesy flavor profile.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty topping that gives the casserole its irresistible golden crust and stringy cheese appeal.
- 1 tsp garlic parsley salt: Delivers savory seasoning and a fresh herb note that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (180°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and helps the cheese melt into that satisfying bubbly, golden finish you’re looking for.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash your zucchini and yellow squash thoroughly, then slice them into ½-inch rings. This thickness is just right to cook through without turning mushy, preserving a pleasant tender texture that’s delightful in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables
Lay the sliced zucchini and squash rings evenly in a shallow baking dish. This not only promotes even cooking but creates a beautiful layered look when you serve it.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic parsley salt together until smooth and combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of the casserole, infusing every slice with rich flavor and a luscious texture.
Step 5: Pour the Cream Mixture Over the Vegetables
Evenly drizzle the creamy blend right over your arranged vegetable rings, ensuring every slice gets coated. This helps the casserole bake into a cohesive, flavorful dish instead of just vegetables topped with cheese.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. This layer melts into a heavenly golden crust during baking and adds that gooey cheese pull we all crave.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling happily. This step is where all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, cheesy vegetable masterpiece.
How to Serve Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor, try garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves. A light dusting of extra parmesan can also add a lovely delicate touch that hints at the cheesy goodness beneath.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a simple roasted pork loin. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties, or layer it in a clear glass baking dish so the vibrant green and yellow vegetables peek through the cheesy top. For a festive twist, top with a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle color pop and spicy note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings but the oven helps restore that wonderful baked cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and parmesan are classic, you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of how the cheeses melt to keep the perfect texture.
Is this casserole suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, zucchini and squash are low in carbohydrates, and this recipe contains mainly vegetables, cream, and cheese, making it a friendly option for low-carb eating plans.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use vegan cheeses to create a dairy-free version of this casserole. It will have a different flavor but remain delicious!
Should I peel the zucchini and squash?
Peeling is optional. The skins are tender and packed with nutrients, so leaving them on adds vibrant color and texture. Just be sure to wash the vegetables well.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to slice the vegetables evenly and avoid soaking them in water before baking. You can also lightly pat slices dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture before arranging in the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe enough if you’re craving a side dish that’s both comforting and packed with fresh vegetable goodness. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So grab your zucchini and squash, and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to casserole that brings everyone back for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy zucchini and yellow squash casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect as a comforting side dish. This baked casserole combines fresh vegetables with a rich cream and cheese sauce, resulting in a golden, bubbly delight.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchini
- 3 medium yellow squash
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic parsley salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash the zucchini and yellow squash thoroughly, then slice them into ½-inch thick rings for even cooking and layering.
- Arrange Vegetables: Arrange the sliced zucchini and squash rings evenly in a shallow baking dish, creating a base layer for the casserole.
- Make Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, garlic parsley salt, and parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Cream Mixture: Pour the creamy parmesan mixture evenly over the arranged vegetable slices, making sure to cover all pieces for flavor and creaminess.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cream-coated vegetables to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is cooked through and flavorful.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but expect a less rich texture.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the cream mixture.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best taste and melting quality.
