Description
Zucchini & Squash Casserole is a creamy and comforting vegetable side dish featuring tender slices of zucchini and yellow squash baked with a savory mixture of cheeses, sour cream, and Italian seasoning, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This easy and flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and pairs wonderfully with chicken, beef, fish, or grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
- 3 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Slice vegetables: Thinly slice the zucchini and yellow squash evenly for uniform cooking. Slice the onion and mince the garlic finely.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook squash slightly: Add the zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet, cooking just until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
- Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Combine vegetables and cream mixture: Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl, gently folding them into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour and spread the vegetable and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the casserole for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken to make this casserole heartier.
- For different cheeses, substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack for cheddar.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
- Mix Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for added savory crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture or microwave individual portions.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; allow extra bake time if baking cold.
- To reduce moisture, avoid overcooking squash before baking and drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Freeze is possible but may alter texture; thaw completely before reheating.
- For dairy-free versions, use non-dairy cream sauces and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American