This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a savory, comforting dish filled with grated zucchini, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese. Topped with golden, bubbly cheese, it’s a perfect side dish that combines fresh vegetables with hearty rice, making it a great addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate blend of cheesy goodness and nutritious zucchini. The creamy texture of the sour cream, combined with the shredded cheese and soft zucchini, creates a dish that is both indulgent and wholesome. The addition of cooked rice makes it more filling, and it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for dinner gatherings, holidays, or a weeknight meal. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

3 lbs green zucchini (about 6 medium zucchini)
1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided (1 teaspoon for sprinkling and ½ teaspoon for casserole)
2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup sour cream (divided into 2/3 and 1/3)
½ teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
½ teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (or your favorite salt-free seasoning)
8 oz Colby Jack cheese (about 3 cups shredded, or you can use Mexican cheese)
½ cup chives, chopped (plus more for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Zucchini:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor grating attachment.
Transfer the grated zucchini to a colander over the sink and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times. After 10 minutes, squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands.
Transfer the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture:

In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup sour cream with ½ teaspoon baking powder and set aside while the zucchini drains (about 8-10 minutes).

Mix the Casserole:

Into the mixing bowl with the drained zucchini, stir in the 4 eggs and the sour cream mixture.
Add the cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded cheese, ½ cup chives, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning (or your preferred seasoning). Mix until well combined.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the mixture into the buttered casserole dish and spread 1/3 cup sour cream over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the surface.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped chives, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 people (as a side dish)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Notes

Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Make Ahead:

You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

Tips:

To reduce moisture from the zucchini further, you can squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel after it has drained for 10 minutes.
If you don’t have Colby Jack cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar or any cheese of your choice.
For a bit of crunch, top the casserole with a handful of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more colorful and nutritious casserole.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based sour cream and dairy-free cheese to make this casserole vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini?

While fresh zucchini is preferred for this recipe, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it.

Can I add meat to the casserole?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the casserole for added protein.

Can I use another type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or any rice of your choice. Just be sure to cook it ahead of time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and cheesy side dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with a rich, creamy texture and melted cheese. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at dinner or bring it to a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!