Cheesy Zucchini
Creamy and cheesy zucchini casserole with carrots and stuffing, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook zucchini and chopped onion in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup, grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and shredded carrots in a bowl.
- Fold the cooked zucchini and onion into the soup mixture.
- Mix the stuffing mix with melted oleo.
- Spread half of the stuffing mixture on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Place the zucchini mixture on top of the stuffing layer.
- Cover the zucchini mixture with the remaining stuffing.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for a lower-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. Adding herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. If you have extra vegetables, feel free to mix in some bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You could also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it next to Carrot Muffins or Refrigerator Breakfast Sweet Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheesy Zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Zucchini contains roughly 426 calories, with 13g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Zucchini a day in advance. Just assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and vegetable broth. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup or even a dairy-free cream soup can work well as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Cheesy Zucchini is a great vegetarian dish. It features a variety of vegetables and no meat products. Just ensure that the cream of mushroom soup you use is vegetarian if you're catering to dietary restrictions.
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).