Name: Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe, a Wonderful Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg, beaten

Jump to Recipe

Zucchini season, am I right? It feels like one day you have zero zucchini, and the next, they’re multiplying like crazy! I swear, my neighbors are probably sneaking them onto my porch at night, haha. Anyone else drowning in zucchini? Well, don’t despair! I’ve got the *perfect* solution: this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe!

Seriously, this is my go-to when I need a simple, delicious side dish that *everyone* will love. And trust me, even the picky eaters will gobble this up. It’s cheesy, it’s flavorful, and it’s a fantastic way to use up all that zucchini. I’ve been baking for over 20 years now, and this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe is one I come back to time and time again. I’ve tweaked it over the years, and this version? It’s the best, I promise!

I’ve been making zucchini casseroles for years, and this one is by far the easiest and tastiest. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Okay, so why *this* zucchini casserole? I’m telling you, it’s a winner! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

Super easy to make – I’m talking minimal effort, maximum flavor!
It tastes AMAZING! Seriously, cheesy, savory goodness.
You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
Wanna switch things up? It’s totally customizable!
Plus, it’s vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy it!

Quick and Easy Side Dish

Seriously, you can whip up this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe in minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

Delicious and Flavorful

Forget boring zucchini recipes! This casserole is bursting with flavor. The Parmesan, the garlic… mmm! It’s seriously addictive.

Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Your Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing fancy here, just good ol’ basics that come together to make something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe:

Zucchini

You’ll want 2 medium zucchini. Slice them about 1/4 inch thick – not too thin that they disappear, but not so chunky that they take forever to cook. I like using a mandoline for even slices, but a knife works just fine!

Onion and Garlic

Half a cup of chopped onion (yellow or white is perfect!) and one clove of minced garlic. Don’t skimp on the garlic, it adds *so* much flavor!

Olive Oil

A quarter cup of olive oil. This is for sautéing the onion and garlic, so don’t skip it!

Breading and Cheese

Half a cup of bread crumbs (I usually use plain, but Italian seasoned works great too!) and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best, trust me!

Seasoning

Just a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy!

Egg

One large egg, beaten. This helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s beaten well so it mixes in evenly!

How to Make This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get down to how to actually make this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying cheesy zucchini goodness in no time.

Preparing the Oven and Sautéing Vegetables

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a skillet – I usually use a 10-inch one – and pour in that olive oil. Set it over medium heat, and once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant. That usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Combining Ingredients

Now, in a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, the sautéed onion and garlic (scrape it all in!), the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and that beaten egg. Make sure everything is mixed really well, so the zucchini is evenly coated with all that cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Baking the Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Grease a baking dish – an 8×8 inch one works perfectly. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the zucchini is nice and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork easily pierces the zucchini.

Cooling and Serving

Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it’s better if you let it sit for a few minutes. This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s also great as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Want to make *sure* your Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe is a total success? Here are a few of my top tips!

Getting the Perfect Zucchini Texture

Nobody wants a soggy casserole! The trick is to salt your zucchini slices *before* you mix everything together. Just toss them with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Then, pat them dry with paper towels to remove the excess moisture. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference!

Enhancing the Flavor

Wanna kick things up a notch? Try adding some fresh herbs! Chopped basil, oregano, or thyme would be delicious in this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe. A pinch of red pepper flakes also adds a nice little zing! You could even sprinkle some garlic powder in with the breadcrumbs. Experiment and see what you like!

Variations on This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe, and you’re loving it! But what if you want to switch things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative!

Adding Different Vegetables

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Bell peppers (any color!), sliced mushrooms, even some chopped tomatoes would be amazing in this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe. Just toss them in with the zucchini and you’re good to go!

Cheese Variations

Parmesan is classic, but why stop there? Try using shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy casserole, or a little bit of cheddar for a sharper flavor. A sprinkle of feta would also be delicious! Go wild!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe ready to go… but what do you serve it with? I love it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also awesome with a simple salad for a light and easy meal. Seriously, so versatile!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!

Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe FAQs

Got questions about this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I make this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally prep this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe earlier in the day. Just mix everything together like normal, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed. Easy, right?

Can I freeze Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

You can, but the texture might change a bit. The zucchini can get a little watery when it thaws. If you *do* want to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It might be a little softer than usual, but it’ll still taste great!

What can I substitute for bread crumbs in this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Great question! If you’re gluten-free, you can definitely use gluten-free bread crumbs. Or, you can try crushed crackers (like Ritz or even gluten-free crackers!). I’ve even used almond flour in a pinch, and it worked pretty well! Just experiment and see what you like best!

Nutritional Information for Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Just a heads up: the nutrition info can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, so this is just a general estimate. Okay?

Enjoy Your Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe!

Okay, that’s it! Go make this Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe and tell me what you think! Leave a comment and rating below – I wanna know if you loved it as much as I do! Happy baking!