This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh zucchini, creamy yogurt, and melted cheese. It’s seasoned to perfection, making it a versatile dish suitable as a side or a light main course.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Zucchini: 2, thinly sliced
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Universal Seasoning for Vegetables: To taste
- Paprika: To taste
- Onions: 2, finely chopped
- Oil: For cooking
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Yogurt: 150 g
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cheese: 150 g, shredded
Directions
- Prepare the Zucchini
- Thinly slice the zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook the Onions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, universal seasoning, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a greased baking dish, layer the zucchini slices, followed by sautéed onions. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.
- Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
- Serve
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, healthy dinner.
- Enjoy as a standalone dish with crusty bread on the side.
- Serve as a side dish for a holiday meal or dinner party.
- Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for an even crispier topping.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced zucchini.
- Sautéing the zucchini lightly before layering can enhance the flavor and reduce moisture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the egg mixture for added aroma.
- For extra richness, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the yogurt mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a blend of flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini: Low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, and potassium.
- Yogurt: Provides probiotics and calcium for bone health.
- Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No (can substitute eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives)
- Gluten-Free: Yes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A versatile dish that works as a side or main course.
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Rich, cheesy flavor with a creamy texture.
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and nutritious recipe that will become a family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with perfectly seasoned zucchini make it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, thinly sliced eggplant or yellow squash are great alternatives.
- How do I prevent the casserole from being watery? Salting the zucchini and patting it dry helps remove excess moisture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What cheese works best? Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of both are excellent options.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute yogurt with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
- What can I serve it with? It pairs well with roasted meat, fish, or a fresh salad.
- Can I freeze it after baking? Yes, allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- How do I add more protein? Mix in cooked chicken or crumbled bacon for added protein.
- What herbs can I use? Dill, parsley, or basil are great options to enhance flavor.
- How do I make the top extra crispy? Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking for a golden crust.
Enjoy making and indulging in this hearty and flavorful Cheesy Zucchini Casserole! 🥒🧀✨