Zucchini Casserole Deserves A Standing Ovation

4.7
(19)
15 Reviews

A zucchini casserole is the summertime answer to winter's green bean casseroles. The zucchini gets to a crisp-tender texture and does not mush out when cooked this way. The casserole's creamy filling makes everything wonderfully cheesy, and the crunchy topping is savory and buttery. It has all the flavors you love in the classic side, thanks to Ritz crackers and fried onions. To keep this casserole tender and filling, you'll need to salt the zucchini. Salting the zucchini for a few minutes draws out a bit of its excess moisture so that the casserole doesn't get watery. Pull this up alongside grilled chicken, steaks, or other vegetables for the perfect summer side.

By
Ann Taylor Pittman
Ann Taylor Pittman
Ann Taylor Pittman
For 20 years, Ann Taylor Pittman built a career of creating healthy recipes at Cooking Light magazine, where she most recently served as Executive Editor. She is the recipient of two James Beard Foundation Awards: a feature writing award and a cookbook award. She is now a freelancer specializing in recipe development, writing, and video. Follow her on Instagram.
Southern Living's editorial guidelines
Published on June 11, 2024
Southern Living Zucchini Casserole in the dish to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Active Time:
16 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6 to 8
Southern Living Zucchini Casserole ingredients

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 1/2 lb. medium zucchini

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane

  • 6 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar, shredded

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup crumbled buttery crackers (such as Ritz)

  • 1/2 cup canned fried onions (such as French’s)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat an 11 x 7–inch baking dish with cooking spray.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole spraying the dish with cooking spray

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut the quarters crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place cut zucchini in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt; toss well to coat.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole salting the zucchini

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Turn zucchini out onto a double layer of paper towels. Let stand 10 minutes.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole draining the zucchini

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. In same bowl (no need to rinse), whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, black pepper, eggs, and garlic.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole whisking together the sour cream and eggs

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Stir in cheeses.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole stirring in the cheese

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    After zucchini has rested for 10 minutes, pat dry with extra paper towels (do not rinse). Stir zucchini into sour cream mixture.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole stirring the zucchini into the sour cream mixture

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Pour zucchini mixture into prepared baking dish.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole adding the zucchini to the dish

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Cover tightly with foil; bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole after baking before adding the topping

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  4. Uncover baking dish and sprinkle casserole with crackers and onions.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole sprinkling the topping on the casserole

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Bake an additional 10 minutes or until topping is browned.

    Southern Living Zucchini Casserole after baking with the topping

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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