Aunt Dale'S Zucchini Casserole
A comforting zucchini casserole with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, highlighting fresh vegetables and seasoned stuffing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook zucchini and onion for five minutes and drain.
- Combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream, then stir in shredded carrots or cheese.
- Fold in the cooked zucchini and onion mixture.
- Combine stuffing mix with margarine.
- Place half of the stuffing mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the stuffing layer.
- Top with the remaining stuffing mixture.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or herbs like thyme and basil in the zucchini mixture. If you want a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version or use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious as a main dish or as a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a light salad for a refreshing meal. Consider serving it alongside Oven Chicken Salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a heartier option, offer crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce. Great for potlucks or family gatherings!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until hot. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dale'S Zucchini Casserole contains roughly 684 calories, with 9g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (161% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1598mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If zucchini isn't available, you can substitute with yellow squash or even chopped spinach for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure you cook any leafy greens briefly to wilt them before combining with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth or a vegetable-based cream soup instead of cream of chicken soup. Additionally, ensure the stuffing mix is free from meat-based ingredients, and you'll have a delicious meat-free casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).