Looking for an easy Zucchini Squash Casserole recipe? Our zucchini bake recipe is gluten-free, low-carb goodness that’s bursting with summer flavors! Serve it as a side dish or a vegetarian main dish–Either way, your whole family will love it!
Our easy zucchini casserole recipe
Hey there, food enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into a scrumptious dish that will tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more? Look no further because today we’re going to whip up a delightful Zucchini Squash Casserole! Packed with vibrant summer flavors and infused with Italian goodness, this recipe is not only easy to make but also kid-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb.
Preparation Made Easy: One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. We all know that life can get crazy busy, but that shouldn’t stop us from indulging in delicious homemade meals. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a piping hot casserole ready to be devoured. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, put on our aprons, and get cooking!
Ingredient Spotlight- Zucchini Squash
Before we jump into the cooking extravaganza, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star of our dish: the humble zucchini squash. This versatile vegetable is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also plays a leading role in making this casserole a winner. Zucchini squash is packed with vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and high in antioxidants. Plus, it adds a wonderful texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor to our dish. Talk about a veggie superstar!
Substitutes for Zucchini: Exploring Delicious Alternatives
While zucchini is undeniably the star of our Zucchini Squash Casserole, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we don’t have this versatile veggie on hand or simply want to try something new. Fear not! There are several fantastic substitutes that can be used in place of zucchini, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the table. Let’s dive in and explore some delicious alternatives:
- Yellow Squash: If you’re looking for a similar taste and texture to zucchini, yellow squash is an excellent substitute. It shares a mild flavor and a tender, slightly crunchy texture that works beautifully in casseroles. Feel free to use it as a one-to-one replacement in the recipe, and you’ll still get that delightful squash essence.
- Eggplant: For those seeking a heartier option, eggplant is a wonderful choice. It offers a rich, meaty texture and a slightly earthy taste. When using eggplant, consider slicing it into rounds or cubes and sautéing it to soften before adding it to the casserole. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Summer Squash: Another fantastic substitute is summer squash, which includes varieties like pattypan squash or crookneck squash. These squash varieties have a slightly sweeter flavor and a tender, buttery texture. They can be used interchangeably with zucchini in most recipes, including our casserole, providing a delightful twist.
Remember, experimenting with substitutes can be a fun culinary adventure, allowing you to personalize the flavors and textures to suit your preferences. While zucchini is a wonderful choice, don’t hesitate to explore these alternatives and see which ones tickle your taste buds.
So, whether you stick with zucchini or decide to venture into the world of substitutes, the joy of cooking lies in exploring and discovering new flavors. Embrace the versatility and creativity that cooking offers, and let your taste buds be your guide as you whip up a delightful casserole that suits your palate perfectly!
Trouble-Shooting Zucchini Casseroles
If you follow the instructions of the recipe for this casserole, you should end up with a perfectly baked dish. However, sometimes things don’t go to plan. We’ve all been there! If you find your Zucchini Casserole turning out a bit on the watery side, a bit crunchy, or somewhat mushy, fear not. Here are a few common reasons and some handy tips to help you overcome these challenges:
Why is my Zucchini Casserole Watery?
- Skipping Steaming Step: Steaming the zucchini before you put it in the baking dish is an important step. It removes the excess moisture from the zucchini and partially cooks it, allowing the casserole to cook evenly. If you aren’t able to steam the zucchini, you can boil it in salted water for about 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Roasting it is also an option.
- Crowded Baking Dish: Overcrowding the baking dish with too many zucchini slices can lead to trapped moisture. To prevent this, make sure the zucchini slices are spread out evenly. This allows for better airflow and reduces the chances of excess liquid pooling in the casserole.
- Longer Baking Time: If your casserole still turns out a bit watery after following the previous tips, you can increase the baking time slightly. This extra time allows the excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a drier, more satisfying texture.
Remember, a slightly watery casserole doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious. But with these tips, you can minimize the wateriness and achieve an even more fantastic result.
Why is the zucchini in my casserole too crisp?
- Skipping the steam: If the zucchini in your casserole is not tender enough for your liking, it is likely that you skipped the step where you steam the zucchini. This step partially cooks the vegetable, so it will be tender in the finished casserole.
- Using too large of zucchini chunks: The larger the chunks, the longer they take to cook. If you like large chunks, be sure to steam the zucchini a bit longer.
- Not baking the casserole long enough: If you do not bake the casserole long enough, the zucchini pieces will not have time to cook all the way through.
Why is the zucchini in my casserole mushy?
- Steaming the zucchini too long: If the zucchini in your casserole is too mushy for your liking, it is likely that you steamed the zucchini too long and over-cooked it.
- Using too small of zucchini chunks: The smaller the chunks, the quicker they will cook. If you cut the zucchini in small pieces, you will need to decrease the steaming and baking time slightly to end up with perfectly cooked zucchini.
- Baking the casserole too long: If you bake the casserole too long, the zucchini pieces will over-cook, making them mushy. Be sure to set a time and check the casserole with a fork as it nears the end of the baking time.
What to Serve with This Easy Zucchini Casserole
Now that we’ve mastered the art of making the perfect Zucchini Squash Casserole, let’s talk about the perfect companions to complete your meal. Here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside your easy zucchini casserole:
- Green Salad: Add some freshness to your plate with a crisp green salad. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors will beautifully complement the hearty casserole.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: For those who prefer a protein-packed meal, consider grilling some chicken breast or fish fillets to serve alongside the zucchini casserole. The light, flavorful proteins will provide a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking to keep the meal low-carb, consider serving the casserole over a bed of cooked cauliflower rice. This grain-free alternative adds texture and makes the dish even more filling.
- Roasted Vegetables: Embrace the bounty of summer vegetables by roasting a medley of seasonal veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. The roasted flavors and vibrant colors will create a delightful contrast to the zucchini casserole.
Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing your Zucchini Squash Casserole with other dishes. Feel free to get creative and personalize your meal based on your preferences and dietary needs.
So, go ahead and enjoy your delectable Zucchini Squash Casserole with a delightful side dish, and savor the flavors of summer in every bite!
Final Thoughts on our Baked Zucchini Casserole
There you have it—a delightful Zucchini Squash Casserole that’s easy to make, gluten-free, low-carb, and bursting with summer flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, cook up a healthy dish, or use up an abundance of garden zucchini, this recipe has got you covered.
So, next time you find yourself with an overload of zucchini or simply craving a delicious and wholesome meal, give this recipe a whirl. You won’t be disappointed! The best part? You can relish the flavors guilt-free, knowing that you’ve made a dish that’s both nutritious and full of mouthwatering taste.
Enjoy this delightful summer casserole, and happy cooking!
-Annissa
Zucchini Squash Casserole
Our easy zucchini squash casserole recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, keto friendly goodness. Serve it as a side dish or a vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 spray avocado oil spray
- 6 cups zucchini (about 14 ounces) quartered lengthwise, then cut crosswise into ½-¾ inch lengths
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese (about 5 ounces) quantity divided
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves stacked and sliced
Instructions
Grease a casserole or baking dish (I used and 8" square baking dish). Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit.
Prepare a steamer pot by filling the lower section with about an inch of water. Bring to a simmer. Add Zucchini to the basket and lightly salt. Set the filled basket over the simmering water and cover. Steam Zucchini pieces for about 5 minutes or until almost tender. Set aside and allow any excess water to drain off.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended, then whisk in the canned diced tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, onion flakes, sea salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese.
Transfer the zucchini into the prepared baking dish. Spread the sauce evenly over the zucchini pieces.
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
Bake casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and the cheese becomes a golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving.