Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe: 20 Mins

Name: Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe: 20 Mins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Author: Amelia Francis

Published: July 26, 2025

Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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Okay, friends, let’s talk zucchini! Seriously, does anyone else feel like they’re drowning in zucchini come late summer? My garden goes absolutely bonkers, and suddenly I’m trying to sneak zucchini into EVERYTHING. That’s how this Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe came about, actually!

I needed a way to use up all that zucchini, and, well, cheese always makes things better, right? This isn’t some fancy, complicated recipe. It’s pure comfort food, plain and simple. Think creamy, cheesy goodness with tender zucchini – the *perfect* side dish for just about anything. It’s seriously the most delicious and cheesy way to use up that summer zucchini!

Trust me, even the zucchini-haters in your family will be sneaking bites of this. It’s that good. And the best part? It’s SO easy to throw together. Seriously, you can have this Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe in the oven in, like, 15 minutes. What’s not to love?

Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Quick and Easy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Look, I’m all about easy dinners, and this? This is EASY. We’re talking minimal chopping, a simple sauce, and boom – into the oven it goes! Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 40 minutes. I love that!

A Delicious Way to Use Zucchini

Let’s be honest, zucchini can be kinda… bland. But *not* in this casserole! The cheese sauce totally transforms it. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get your kids (or picky adults!) to eat their veggies. My favorite part is seeing their faces light up when they try it!

Ingredients for Your Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll want 4 medium zucchini, sliced about ¼-inch thick – not too thin, not too chunky. Grab one medium yellow onion, finely chopped (don’t worry about being perfect!). And mince up 2 cloves of garlic – the more garlic, the merrier, I say!

You’ll also need ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted (I just nuke mine, shhh!), ½ cup of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, we’re not packing it in!), 3 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. And the stars of the show: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Yum!

How to Make This Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Zucchini and Onions

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Now, grab a big skillet and melt that butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced zucchini, chopped onion, and minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté these until they’re nice and tender, but not browned – about 5-7 minutes should do it.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Okay, this is where the magic happens! Stir in that flour, salt, and pepper right into the zucchini mixture. Now, slowly pour in the milk, stirring *constantly*. Seriously, don’t stop stirring! We don’t want any lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up – it should coat the back of a spoon. Once it’s thickened, take the skillet off the heat and stir in all that glorious cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Mmm!

Baking Your Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish – I use a little butter or cooking spray. Pour the zucchini and cheese sauce mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle that Parmesan cheese on top – don’t be shy! Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The top should be beautifully browned, and you should see the sauce bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving… if you can wait that long!

Tips for the Best Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Zucchini

Seriously, nobody wants mushy zucchini! You want it tender, but still with a little bite. So, keep an eye on it while you’re sautéing. If it starts to look too soft, just take it off the heat a little earlier. Trust me on this one!

Freshly Grated Cheese Makes a Difference

Okay, I know it’s tempting to buy the pre-shredded stuff, but *please*, grate your own cheese for this! It melts so much better and the flavor is just… well, it’s just better! Plus, it doesn’t have all that cellulose junk they put on the pre-shredded stuff. You’ll thank me later!

Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe Variations

Spice it Up

Want a little kick? I get it! A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the cheese sauce does the trick. Or, if you’re feeling extra daring, a dash of your favorite hot sauce works wonders. Just don’t go overboard unless you *really* like the heat!

Add More Vegetables to Your Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

This casserole is super versatile! Feel free to toss in other veggies you love. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers (any color!), or even some chopped tomatoes would be fantastic. Just sauté them along with the zucchini and onions. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing cheesy zucchini casserole, now what do you serve with it? Honestly, it goes with just about anything! I love it alongside a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak. It’s also fantastic with some juicy pork chops. For a lighter meal, try it with a big, fresh salad. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Reheating Your Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe keeps really well. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (easy!), but I think it’s even better reheated in the oven. Just bake it at 350°F until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. Maybe 15-20 minutes? Watch it so it doesn’t dry out!

Nutritional Information of Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Each serving (about 1 cup) of this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe is roughly around 300 calories. You’re also looking at about 20g of fat, 10g of protein, and 15g of carbs. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, and it really depends on the exact ingredients you use!

Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Okay, so frozen zucchini… it *can* work, but fresh is always best! Frozen zucchini tends to be a bit watery, so you’ll want to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before using it. Otherwise, your casserole might be a little soggy. Just sayin’!

Can I make Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is actually great made ahead of time. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!

What other cheeses can I use in this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Oh, the possibilities! Feel free to get creative with the cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick would all be delicious. Honestly, any cheese that melts well will work great in this Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe!

Rate This Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

So, what do you think? Did you love this Irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe as much as I do? Leave a comment below and let me know! And hey, don’t forget to give it a star rating – it helps other zucchini lovers find this cheesy goodness! Share it with your friends on social media, too! Happy cooking!