Description
A creamy and cheesy zucchini casserole made with grated zucchini, eggs, sour cream, and rice, topped with melted cheese and chives. A comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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)
Instructions
- 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, then 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 it 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 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.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the casserole mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- You can substitute the Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or any other cheese of your choice for different flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 594
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 835mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 125mg