Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe: Perfect Summer BBQ Side Dish

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish to complement your summer BBQ? This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with tender zucchini, gooey cheese, and a crispy golden topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family potluck or a casual backyard grill-out, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Zucchini is a versatile summer vegetable that shines in this comforting bake. Combined with creamy cheese and a touch of herbs, it transforms into a dish that’s both hearty and light. Plus, it’s a great way to use up an abundance of garden zucchini!

For more zucchini inspiration, check out this Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake or try a Garden Zucchini Casserole for another twist on this classic.

Ingredients

• 4 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Zucchini: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked zucchini, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian meal.

Expert Tips

• Drain the Zucchini: To prevent a watery casserole, make sure to drain the zucchini well after cooking. You can also sprinkle it with a little salt and let it sit for 10 minutes before draining to remove excess moisture.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of Gruyère and Swiss can add a rich, nutty flavor.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
• Add Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle some crushed crackers or nuts on top before baking.

FAQ

Can I freeze this zucchini casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash or a mix of zucchini and yellow squash works beautifully in this recipe.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a great addition to a summer potluck spread alongside dishes like Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad or Tomato Puff Pastry Tart.

This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to add a flavorful, cheesy, and comforting side dish to their summer menu. Enjoy!

Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole Recipe: Perfect Summer BBQ Side Dish

This Easy Baked Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for summer BBQs. Packed with tender zucchini, gooey cheese, and a crispy golden topping, it’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 4 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain any excess liquid.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked zucchini, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian meal.

Notes

To prevent a watery casserole, drain the zucchini well after cooking. You can also sprinkle it with a little salt and let it sit for 10 minutes before draining to remove excess moisture. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss for added flavor. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. For extra texture, sprinkle some crushed crackers or nuts on top before baking.