Looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare oven dish? This Baked Zucchini and Tomato Casserole with Creamy Greek Yogurt Topping is a wonderful combination of fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and tangy yogurt that makes for a comforting yet wholesome meal. It’s the perfect recipe for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even a weekend brunch side dish. Packed with nutritious vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and onions, and baked with herbs, spices, and cheese, it delivers on both flavor and health.
What sets this recipe apart is the yogurt-based topping that adds creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. It’s a brilliant example of Mediterranean-style cooking—simple, fresh ingredients layered into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Cooking Time
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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2 medium zucchini
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2 medium tomatoes
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1 medium onion
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3/4 cup Greek yogurt
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2–3 spring onions (green onions), chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta)
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Water, as needed to thin the yogurt mixture
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the zucchini and tomatoes into thin rounds. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Chop the spring onions for later use in the topping.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
In a lightly oiled baking dish, layer the zucchini, tomato, and onion slices, alternating them in a row or spiral pattern for a visually appealing presentation. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Make the Yogurt Topping
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped spring onions, and shredded cheese. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick to spread, thin it slightly with a tablespoon or two of water until it becomes a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Spread the yogurt mixture over the layered vegetables evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 35 minutes or until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Serve
Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 180
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Protein: 9 g
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Fat: 10 g
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Carbohydrates: 12 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Calcium: 20% DV
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Vitamin C: 50% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish is inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern comfort food. Yogurt-based sauces and casseroles are traditional in Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese cuisines, where fresh vegetables are celebrated and dairy is used to add richness without heaviness. Zucchini, in particular, is a staple in the summer months and used in countless recipes ranging from fritters to stews to oven bakes like this one.
Its popularity has grown globally, especially in health-conscious households that favor meals made from whole foods. The use of Greek yogurt as a creamy yet high-protein topping has made this type of recipe a go-to for those looking to reduce processed ingredients and still enjoy hearty baked meals.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Healthy yet comforting: This casserole is both nutritious and satisfying.
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Simple ingredients: All elements are affordable and easy to find.
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Customizable: You can adjust seasoning, add proteins, or change cheeses.
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Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
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Balanced: Contains fiber, protein, and essential vitamins in one dish.
Health Benefits
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Zucchini is low in calories and high in water content and fiber, helping with digestion and hydration.
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Tomatoes provide powerful antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health.
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Greek yogurt is rich in protein, probiotics, and calcium, promoting gut and bone health.
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Onions and garlic (if added) offer antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
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Cheese, when used in moderation, supplies calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main dish with a slice of crusty bread or brown rice.
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Add a side of green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
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Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or legumes to complete the meal.
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It also works well as a brunch option with poached or soft-boiled eggs.
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For added crunch, sprinkle crushed nuts or seeds on top after baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking the vegetables: Watch closely in the last 10 minutes so they stay tender, not mushy.
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Skipping seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
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Using too much yogurt without thinning: Thick yogurt can bake into a dense topping; a small amount of water ensures it spreads evenly.
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Not letting it rest after baking: Resting helps the casserole set and become easier to cut.
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Using too much cheese: Balance is key; too much can overpower the fresh vegetables.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Try it with mint-infused lemonade, white wine, or sparkling water with cucumber slices.
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Soups: A light lentil or chickpea soup pairs beautifully.
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Desserts: Finish the meal with fruit salad, yogurt with honey, or almond cake.
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Bread: Whole wheat pita, focaccia, or flatbread are all excellent sides.
Cooking Tips
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Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture.
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Add a pinch of oregano or thyme for extra Mediterranean flavor.
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For more color and nutrients, mix in bell peppers or shredded carrots.
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Use a mandoline for even, thin vegetable slices if you want a more elegant look.
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Want a golden top? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to add extra color.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Greek Moussaka with Yogurt Topping
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Zucchini and Ricotta Lasagna
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Roasted Vegetable Bake with Feta
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Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
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Mediterranean Tomato and Spinach Pie
Variations to Try
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Add protein: Include ground turkey, cooked lentils, or tofu crumbles.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the yogurt.
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Vegan version: Use coconut yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives.
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Low-carb version: Skip the tomatoes and focus on zucchini, onion, and herbs.
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Herbed crust: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with herbs and olive oil for crunch.
Ingredient Spotlight: Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a nutrient-rich powerhouse. Strained to remove excess whey, it’s thicker and higher in protein than regular yogurt. In cooking, it serves as a lighter alternative to sour cream or heavy cream, making it perfect for sauces, dips, and toppings like in this casserole. It’s also packed with probiotics for digestive health, calcium for strong bones, and healthy fats for satiety.
When paired with herbs, vegetables, and cheese, Greek yogurt elevates both flavor and nutrition without making the dish heavy or greasy. Its tang balances rich or sweet ingredients and brings freshness to baked recipes.
Conclusion
This Baked Zucchini and Tomato Casserole with Creamy Greek Yogurt Topping is everything a wholesome, delicious meal should be. It’s made with fresh vegetables, layered with cheesy goodness, and finished with a creamy yet light yogurt topping. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this casserole brings color, nutrition, and comfort to your table.
Perfect for busy weekdays, relaxed weekends, or any time you want to enjoy a warm dish straight from the oven, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation. With its easy customization, short prep time, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a go-to you’ll come back to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but drain it through cheesecloth for 1–2 hours to thicken it and avoid excess water in the dish.
2. What type of cheese is best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or feta all work well depending on the flavor and texture you want.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
6. What can I use instead of tomatoes?
Bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or even thin slices of cooked squash work as great substitutes.
7. How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives. You can also add tofu for protein.
8. Can I add more herbs?
Yes, fresh dill, basil, thyme, or oregano all work well with this dish.
9. Will kids like this dish?
Yes! The cheesy topping and soft vegetables are usually a hit with little ones.
10. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Try adding eggplant, mushrooms, or thin-sliced potatoes for variety.