Mom’s Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Mom’s Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a comforting layered bake featuring tender zucchini rounds, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh parsley, and a crispy buttery breadcrumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy zucchini in a cheesy, satisfying dish suitable for a family meal or potluck.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (Italian-style)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the extra virgin olive oil into an 8×8 inch baking dish and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom. This will help prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer the Zucchini and Cheese: Arrange about one third of the peeled and sliced zucchini rounds in the baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly over the zucchini with 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, a heaping tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and a good pinch of kosher salt. Repeat this layering process two more times to create three layers total.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second increments until fully melted. Alternatively, melt the butter on the stove over low heat. Stir the seasoned bread crumbs into the melted butter until fully combined. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top layer of the casserole to form a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2 to 3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. This dish is perfect served warm and can be reheated in an air fryer to restore crispiness if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian-style bread crumbs with plain or gluten-free bread crumbs if preferred.
- Using peeled zucchini helps achieve a tender texture but leaving the peel on adds extra nutrients and a slight bite.
- Broiling at the end enhances the crispiness of the breadcrumb topping but requires careful monitoring to avoid burning.
- Leftovers reheat well in an air fryer to maintain the crunchy topping texture.
- For a low-fat version, reduce the amount of butter or use a butter substitute.
