This Creamy Zucchini Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for using up an abundance of zucchini. Featuring layers of tender zucchini slices enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection, it’s an excellent side dish or a light main course. The addition of herbs and spices brings depth and warmth to the recipe, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups zucchini, sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick (approximately 2 to 4 zucchini)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 whole eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Zucchini:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the sliced zucchini with ¼ teaspoon of salt and set aside for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, gently pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried basil, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined. This mixture will create the creamy, flavorful base of the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with some butter or cooking spray.
- Arrange half of the zucchini slices in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the zucchini.
- Pour half of the cream and egg mixture over the cheese and zucchini layers.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, cheddar cheese, and cream mixture.
- Dot the top of the casserole with slices of butter.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Zucchini Casserole is not only a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your diet but also a comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of main dishes or can be enjoyed on its own. Its straightforward preparation and wholesome ingredients ensure that this dish will be a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy the combination of tender zucchini and melted cheese with every bite!