Name: Baked Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 zucchini (medium to big size); 2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups pasta orzo (cooked al dente ); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 4 eggs; 1 tsp Italian herbs; 8 oz gouda cheese (3 cups grated); 4 cloves of spring garlic (you can easily skip to regular garlic or garlic powder); 1/2 cup chopped spring onion

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Delightful cheesy, moist and creamy zucchini casserole will make your house smell amazing! This baked cheesy zucchini casserole is a perfect way to use up healthy summer squash that even the kids will love. Once you will try it you will get convinced that your “home-cooked” meal never tasted so good.

Is zucchini a fruit or veggie?

Well, in the world of food, there are many plants most people consider vegetables that are technically fruits. Even it sounds strange – zucchini is a fruit – botanically speaking. Although in a culinary context, the zucchini is treated as a vegetable. For a long time, I did not even doubt is it a fruit or vegetable. But now on Delicerecipes.com, I am not allowed to mislead you. So before writing any of my articles I usually explore new facts.

Zucchini, also known as courgette, is grown for its edible fruits. You can cook a lot of recipes with this healthy summer squash. Try our Roasted garlic zucchini or Fresh zucchini salad. Their flowers are also edible. Versatile recipes with zucchini flowers are very popular among famous chefs, especially in Italy. They can be pan-fried, tossed raw into salads, or even stuffed.

Is zucchini OK for Keto?

Zucchini is considered a very healthy plant that almost does not contains fat and is low in carbohydrates. This great and fresh plant brings tons of nutrients and is frequently used in versatile diets, like low – carb diet, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, diet for fat loss, and asf.

Although it does not contain fat, zucchini is a low-carb superfood, so it should be a staple on the keto diet. Its’ neutral taste allows us to use it both for desserts and main dishes.

This summer squash is rich in fibers, water, natural folate, vitamins and is a great antioxidant.

Adapt this irresistible tasty cheesy zucchini casserole recipe to your diet. Actually, you do not have to change too much, just substitute the amount of pasta orzo to the same amount of zucchini. If you are using a keto calculator, adapt this recipe to your dates.

Moist and creamy Keto cheesy zucchini casserole is perfect grab-and-go meals during the busy workweek.

Ingredients you will need for cheesy zucchini casserole:

Despite a large number of ingredients, it is an easy recipe that can be assembled in less than in an hour. It is a perfect treat for big crowds, and even kids will enjoy this version.

So, to make your shopping easier I will put the list below:

2 big zucchini
2 tsp of salt (1 tsp for sprinkling and 1 tsp for casserole)
1 1/2 cups of al dente pasta orzo.
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
1/2 tsp of Italian herbs
8 oz of gouda cheese
4 cloves of spring garlic ( you can easily skip to regular garlic or garlic powder)
1/2 cup of chopped spring onion

How to prepare the zucchini before using it in the cheesy zucchini casserole?

Cheesy zucchini casserole is really easy to make dish. You don’t need to have professional skills in cooking to impress your friends and family with a fancy casserole.

But as in most recipes, there is a tip that you should remember and take into consideration. Zucchini is very watery, this is why for best results before mixing them whit other ingredients you should squeeze extra liquid. This would make a big difference in casserole texture and even in taste.

Wash and dry 2 medium to big size zucchini. Grate them on the large holes. Then transfer grated zucchini to a colander and mix in 1 tsp of salt. Set aside for about 7 – 10 min. Then squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands. Drained zucchini transfer to a large mixing bowl.

How to make cheesy zucchini casserole?

Cheese zucchini casserole recipe contains simple ingredients and comes together quickly. First, to avoid runny casserole prepare zucchini as it is said above.

Meanwhile, boil pasta orzo according to the instruction on the pack. Cook it to al dente and then drain. Set aside and let to completely cool off before adding to the grated zucchini.

Now grate 8 oz of gouda cheese (it is about 3 cups of grated cheese). Chop ½ cup of spring onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic.

When the pasta cooled down completely start incorporating casserole. Into the bowl with drained zucchini, stir in 4 eggs, 2 cups of grated gouda cheese, 1 ½ cup of cooled al dente pasta orzo, chopped spring onion, minced garlic, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ⅔ cup of sour cream. Season with 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of Italian herbs, and black pepper to taste. Whit a rubber spatula mix gently all the ingredients.

Make sure that all ingredients completely combined. Then gently pour the mixture evenly into the buttered casserole dish. Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and send it to a preheated oven at 400 °F. Bake for 40 minutes. 10 minutes before the time elapsed sprinkle on the top some grated parmesan if desired.

You will know that the cheese zucchini casserole is cooked when the cheese on top is getting darker. Anyway, do not cook it for too long as it might burn at the bottom of the pan.

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish cheese zucchini casserole with some chopped spring onion and/or parsley. Serve warm.

Tips:

Always choose fresh and firm looking-like zucchini.
Complete cheesy zucchini casserole with meat or fish adds-in. Make sure you pre-cook it first.
Substitute gouda cheese with any of your favorite cheeses.
Already baked cheesy zucchini casserole can be easily frozen. Transfer it to an airtight container, portion if needed, and store up to 2 months.
Double this easy cheesy zucchini casserole recipe to feed a bigger crowd.

Enjoy!