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To make your Family-Style Zucchini Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This list gives you the perfect mix for a tasty dish. When selecting zucchini, look for firm, shiny ones. Check for: - A vibrant green color - No soft spots or blemishes - A small size, as smaller zucchinis are sweeter Fresh zucchini will help make your casserole bright and flavorful. Want to spice things up? Consider adding: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Chopped bell peppers for sweetness - Spinach for a healthy boost - Mushrooms for an earthy taste These options can enhance your casserole and make it even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need zucchinis, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cheeses. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half for even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. This step is important for flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it is soft and clear. Then, add garlic and cook for one more minute. Finally, stir in the sliced zucchinis. Cook until they soften, about five to seven minutes. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let this mixture cool slightly. Now, let’s build our casserole. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella. This will be your creamy layer. Start by adding half of the sautéed zucchini to the dish. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini. Then, add half of the halved cherry tomatoes. Repeat this step with the remaining zucchini, ricotta, and tomatoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top. This will create a nice, cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your casserole is layered, it's time to bake it. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. This adds a crispy texture. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. When it’s ready, take it out and let it sit for five minutes. This rest time helps the layers set. Now, you can serve it family-style right in the baking dish. Enjoy this cheesy, delicious dish with your family! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best texture, choose medium zucchinis. They have the right water content. Slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Sauté the zucchini just enough to soften it. Overcooking will make it mushy. When mixing the cheeses, make sure they blend well. A smooth mixture will help hold the casserole together. Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy feel. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread. This adds freshness and crunch to your meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. This makes it a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy. One common mistake is not seasoning well. Zucchini needs a good amount of salt and pepper. Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing. This can lead to steaming instead of browning. Also, don’t skip the breadcrumbs on top. They give a nice crunch. Finally, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set, making it easier to cut. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip the egg, and use a plant-based cheese. Vegan ricotta works well here. For added flavor, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Also, you can add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. These add more texture and taste. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed cornflakes or almond flour. These options give a nice crunch. Ensure that your cheeses are gluten-free, as some brands may add gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans. Shredded chicken mixes well with the zucchini. You can also try black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just layer them in with the zucchini for a hearty meal. These additions make the dish filling and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your zucchini casserole fresh, let it cool. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy those tasty leftovers later! When you’re ready to eat your casserole again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it through and keeps the top crisp. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. If you want to prepare meals ahead, freezing works well. First, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your delicious family-style zucchini casserole anytime! For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. However, fresh zucchini gives the best taste. If you use frozen, thaw it first and drain any excess water. This keeps the casserole from becoming too watery. I love using mozzarella for its meltiness. It pairs well with ricotta, giving a creamy texture. Parmesan adds a nice flavor on top. Combining these cheeses creates a rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just layer all the ingredients in the dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days and allows the flavors to blend. - Full Recipe: Cheesy Family-Style Zucchini Casserole 🥒 This blog post covered all you need to make a cheesy zucchini casserole. I shared tips on choosing fresh zucchini and using optional flavors. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping, layering, and baking. The tips helped avoid common mistakes for perfect texture and serving ideas. We explored fun variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. Finally, I included storage info and answered common questions. Enjoy making this easy and tasty dish for your family!

Family-Style Zucchini Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Family-Style Zucchini Casserole! Loaded with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of creamy cheeses, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Stir in the sliced zucchinis and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

          In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until smooth.

            Layer half of the sautéed zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, followed by half of the cherry tomatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, ricotta mixture, and tomatoes.

              Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.

                In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil until coated, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

                    Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve family-style in the baking dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.