Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines fresh zucchini, rice, eggs, and cheese for a perfect balance of creamy and cheesy goodness. Ideal for a healthy, low-carb side dish or a hearty vegetarian meal, this casserole is baked until golden and bubbling. With ingredients like sour cream, Colby Jack cheese, and fresh herbs, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. This recipe can easily be customized with different types of cheese, seasonings, or even additional protein. Make it ahead of time for a convenient and tasty meal option that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs green zucchini (6 medium)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided (1 tsp for sprinkling and 1/2 tsp for casserole)
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup sour cream, divided into 2/3 and 1/3
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning or your favorite salt-free seasoning
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese), shredded (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped chives, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini: Preheat the oven to 400˚F and butter a 9×13 casserole dish. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or the grating attachment on a food processor. Transfer the grated zucchini to a colander over the sink and stir in 1 tsp salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Afterward, squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands and transfer the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup sour cream with 1/2 tsp baking powder. Let the mixture stand for 8-10 minutes while the zucchini drains.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the sour cream mixture, eggs, cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup chives, 1/2 tsp salt, and Mrs. Dash seasoning to the drained zucchini. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the zucchini mixture into the buttered casserole dish. Spread the remaining 1/3 cup sour cream over the top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the surface.
5. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chives, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and veggie-packed dish that makes a perfect side or main meal. The zucchini blends beautifully with the creamy sour cream and melted cheese, while the rice adds heartiness to the dish. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while keeping the flavors rich and satisfying.

Tips

• Drain Zucchini Well: Make sure to drain the zucchini thoroughly to prevent the casserole from being too watery. Squeezing out excess moisture is key for a perfect texture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work great in this recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

• Rice Substitution: For a lower-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and non-dairy cheese to make this casserole dairy-free.
• Add Protein: You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon to make this dish a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini? It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, but if using frozen, ensure it is thawed and well-drained before use.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole, refrigerate it, and then bake it the next day. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if cold from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Serving

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole can be served as a delicious side dish alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh herbs: For extra flavor and a pop of color, garnish the casserole with extra fresh chives or parsley before serving.
• Serve with a side salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance the richness of the casserole, making it a complete meal.