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To make a delicious Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish These ingredients bring together a mix of flavors and textures. The zucchinis add a soft bite, while the cheeses provide a creamy richness. The cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and acidity, brightening the dish. The panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch on top, making every bite enjoyable. Don’t forget to check out the Full Recipe to see how to bring all these wonderful ingredients together! - Preheat the oven to 375°F. - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. - Combine sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a bowl. - Drizzle the veggies with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until mixed well. - Spread half of the zucchini mixture in the greased dish. - Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the first layer. - Add the rest of the zucchini mixture on top. Press it down gently. - Cover with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. - In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. - Layer this breadcrumb mix over the cheese. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. - Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. - Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. For the Full Recipe, check the ingredients and detailed steps above. Enjoy your cheesy baked zucchini casserole! To get the best texture in your casserole, salting the zucchini is key. Zucchini holds a lot of water. Salting helps draw out that moisture. Just slice the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After that, rinse and pat it dry. This step keeps your casserole from becoming too watery. Using fresh cheeses is also important. Fresh mozzarella and sharp cheddar give the best flavor. They melt well and create that gooey texture we all love. Consider shredding the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect melting. Adjusting the cooking time can change your result. If you like your casserole extra soft, bake it longer. For a firmer bite, stick to the time in the recipe. Oven temperatures can vary, so check yours with an oven thermometer. Your dish should be golden brown and bubbling when done. Try using different herbs and spices to change the taste. Basil and thyme work great with zucchini. You can also add some garlic powder for an extra kick. For cheese combinations, mix mozzarella with feta for a nice twist. The sharpness of cheddar pairs well with creamy cheeses too. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole. Enjoy creating your own version! {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in your casserole easily. - Add cooked ground turkey or beef for a hearty meal. - If you prefer a vegetarian option, use beans. Beans add protein and fiber. Looking for low-carb options? Zucchini is great, but you can swap it out. - Try using other veggies like eggplant for a keto-friendly dish. - Cauliflower also works well as an added vegetable. It gives a nice texture. Seasonal ingredients can elevate your casserole. - Add colorful veggies like bell peppers or sweet corn. They add flavor and crunch. - Fresh herbs can also enhance your dish. Use basil or parsley for a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole. After you enjoy your cheesy baked zucchini casserole, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, first, let it cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. When you’re ready to eat, take a piece out. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot all the way through. This keeps the cheese melty and delicious. Enjoy every bite! Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it safe from odors and moisture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Just follow the steps until the baking stage. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This method saves time on busy days. This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette on the salad enhances the meal. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free. Just replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check the cheese labels to ensure they are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well. These swaps can add extra flavors and nutrients, making your casserole even more delicious. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if needed. In this blog post, we explored a delicious Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole. We listed required ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions for preparation. You learned how to mix, layer, and bake your casserole to perfection. Plus, I shared tips for texture, timing, and enhancing flavor. For a delightful twist, you can add proteins or seasonal veggies. Enjoy the leftovers by following our storage tips. This recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Dive in and make it your own!

Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole

Elevate your dinner table with this creamy and delightful Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole! Packed with layers of fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a melty blend of cheeses, this easy recipe is perfect for a comforting meal. Plus, the crunchy panko topping adds the ideal finishing touch. Ready in just an hour, it's a crowd-pleasing dish your family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a delightful crunch)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat preference)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the veggies, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.

      Spread half of the zucchini mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over this layer of vegetables, ensuring good coverage.

        Add the remaining zucchini mixture as the next layer, pressing down slightly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, covering the veggies completely.

          In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. If using, mix in the red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Evenly distribute this breadcrumb mixture over the top layer of cheese.

            Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

              After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil to expose the casserole. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden brown and bubbling enticingly.

                Once baked, retrieve the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in the baking dish, or scoop individual portions onto plates, garnished with additional fresh basil for visual appeal. Pair with a side salad for a delightful meal!