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- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish This recipe for baked zucchini casserole is simple and full of flavor. You can easily find all these ingredients at your local store. Fresh zucchinis are key for a great taste. They bring out the best in this dish. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst that pairs well with the zucchini. Onions and garlic provide a nice base for the casserole. Their flavors deepen when you sauté them in olive oil. The cheeses create a rich and creamy texture. I love using mozzarella and Parmesan together. They melt beautifully and give a wonderful finish to the dish. The breadcrumbs on top add a satisfying crunch. They create a nice contrast to the softness of the baked veggies. The dried herbs, oregano and basil, elevate the flavors. They bring the taste of summer right to your table. For a bright touch, I like to garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a fresh aroma. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste. Salt and pepper help to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. If you're eager to try this dish, check out the Full Recipe. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal that everyone will love. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes). - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. - Introduce zucchinis and cherry tomatoes; season and cook for 5-7 minutes. I love how the kitchen fills with scents when I sauté. The sweet smell of onions and garlic mixes perfectly. Once the onions turn a nice clear color, it’s time to add the garlic. This step takes only a moment but makes a huge difference. You will notice the aroma change as the garlic cooks. Add the zucchinis and cherry tomatoes next. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, along with dried oregano and basil. This combo brings out the best flavors in the veggies! Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender yet still a little crisp. - Combine sautéed mixture with half the cheese in a bowl. - Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. - Mix remaining breadcrumbs and cheese and sprinkle on top. Now comes the fun part—assembly! Take your sautéed veggies and mix them with half the cheese in a bowl. This helps the cheese melt into the mixture. Next, pour everything into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the rest of the breadcrumbs and cheese. This will top the casserole and give it a nice crispy finish. Sprinkle this mix generously over the veggie layer. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. - Remove from oven, let cool briefly before serving. Your oven should be hot and ready now. Place the dish inside and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese on top to melt and turn golden brown. It’s hard to wait, but let it cool for a few minutes before you dive in. This helps the flavors settle, and it makes serving easier. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your tasty baked zucchini casserole! To prevent your casserole from being watery, make sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Slice the zucchinis and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps keep the casserole nice and firm. For flavor, cheese is key. I suggest using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. This combo gives a rich taste and helps achieve a gooey texture. You can also add feta for a tangy twist. Garnish your casserole with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top just before serving. This gives an appealing look and a cheesy finish. When serving, pair the casserole with a crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the dish well. This balance makes it a complete meal and adds freshness. For even cooking, use a 9x13 inch baking dish. It allows heat to circulate well and ensures your casserole cooks evenly. If you have a glass dish, that works great too. Use a sturdy spatula for mixing and a good knife for chopping. A large skillet for sautéing helps blend the flavors perfectly. These tools make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the details in the previous section. {{image_4}} You can make this dish gluten-free by using alternative breadcrumbs. Look for gluten-free options at your local store. For those who want a vegetarian or vegan dish, try using plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty vegan cheese that melts well. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole without worry. Add more color and taste by mixing in other vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach all work great. They add nutrients and make the dish more exciting. If you want a kick, adjust the spices. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. This will make your casserole stand out. If you plan to host a large gathering, scaling the recipe is simple. Just double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish. This way, you’ll have enough for everyone. For meal prep, portioning is key. Use small containers to store single servings. This makes it easy to grab a healthy meal on busy days. You can find the full recipe for this delicious dish above. To keep your baked zucchini casserole fresh, place it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent moisture loss. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3-4 days. If you notice any off smells or unusual textures, discard it. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy thawing later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the casserole to the fridge the night before. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or notice a bad smell, throw it away. To keep the flavor strong, reheat the casserole gently. Avoid high heat, as it can dry it out. Adding a little olive oil before reheating can help restore moisture. Enjoy your delicious dish anytime with these storage tips! Yes, you can mix in other veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach work great. Each adds a different taste and texture. You can also try mushrooms for added umami flavor. Just chop them small to cook evenly. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand! To prepare this dish ahead, follow these steps: - Cook the veggies as stated in the recipe. - Combine them with the cheese. - Place the mix in a greased baking dish. - Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just remove the foil and cook as directed. For a balanced meal, serve this casserole with: - A crisp green salad with vinaigrette. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition. - Garlic bread for a bit of comfort. These options complement the casserole’s flavors well and make your meal hearty. Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store portions. Here are some tips: - Cool the casserole completely before storing. - Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. - It can last up to four days in the fridge. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Absolutely! If you want a lighter dish, skip the breadcrumbs. You can top it with extra cheese for a cheesy crust. Another idea is to use crushed nuts for a crunchy texture. This keeps the dish gluten-free and adds healthy fats. This blog post guides you through making a delicious baked zucchini casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. The recipe is flexible, letting you make changes for personal taste. You can store leftovers or even freeze the casserole for future meals. Baking should be fun and easy! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. You’ll impress your family and friends with your tasty creation.

Baked Zucchini Casserole

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole with this easy recipe! Featuring tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a heavenly blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Discover all the simple steps to create a comforting meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a cheesy delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.

        Introduce the sliced zucchinis and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well-blended.

            Carefully transfer the zucchini mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

              In a small bowl, mix together the remaining breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese and breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the casserole for a crispy finish.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

                  Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors settle.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Before serving, garnish the warm casserole with torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Enjoy!