When you need a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light vegetarian main, few recipes deliver like a shredded zucchini casserole. This golden, cheesy bake combines tender zucchini, aromatic onions and garlic, and a blend of three cheeses under a crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, brunch, or potluck, this dish is a flavorful way to use up summer zucchini or add more vegetables to your table year-round.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, share pro tips for the perfect texture, and give you tasty variations so you can make it your own.
Table of Contents
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Shredded Zucchini Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Casserole
- 8 cups zucchini coarsely shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2/3 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- chopped chives to taste, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let stand for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture. Press or squeeze to remove excess liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs with black pepper. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, ½ cup Parmesan, onion mixture, and drained zucchini. Mix until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and casserole is set. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Shredded Zucchini Casserole
- Cheesy & Comforting – A blend of mozzarella, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan makes every bite indulgent.
- Perfectly Textured – Moist and tender inside with a golden, crisp topping.
- Easy to Make Ahead – Great for prepping the day before and baking when needed.
- Crowd-Friendly – Serves up to eight, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Vegetable-Packed – A delicious way to get extra veggies on the plate.
Shredded Zucchini Casserole Ingredients
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Stand Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8
What You’ll Need:
- 8 cups coarsely shredded zucchini
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ⅔ cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Chopped chives, to taste (for garnish)
How to Make low-carb zucchini dish
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Combine shredded zucchini and salt in a large bowl, tossing to coat. Transfer to a colander over the sink and let stand for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture. Move zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out remaining liquid. Dry the bowl with paper towels before reuse.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Casserole Base
In the large bowl, whisk together eggs and black pepper. Add zucchini, onion mixture, mozzarella, Cheddar, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Transfer zucchini mixture to the prepared dish, spreading into an even layer. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then stir in the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, let stand for 5–10 minutes, and sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect vegetable casserole recipe
- Drain the Zucchini Well – Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy, so squeeze as much water out as possible.
- Mix Cheeses for Depth – Combining mozzarella, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan balances creaminess, tang, and saltiness.
- Bake Until Golden – The top should be crisp and lightly browned for the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds a deeper, richer flavor than powdered.
Variations to Try
- Low-Carb Option – Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Add Protein – Mix in cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier main dish.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Different Cheeses – Try Gruyère or Fontina for a more gourmet twist.
What to Serve with Zucchini Casserole
- Grilled Meats – Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Fresh Salads – A crisp green salad or tomato cucumber salad balances the richness.
- Soup Pairings – Try with a light vegetable or chicken soup for a cozy meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 368
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 148mg
- Sodium: 749mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin C: 29mg
- Calcium: 474mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 727mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze shredded zucchini casserole?
Yes, bake it first, cool completely, and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Properly drain and squeeze the zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping and bake when ready.
Conclusion
The shredded zucchini casserole is a true comfort food classic—cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With its golden top and tender, vegetable-packed base, it’s the perfect side dish or light main course for any occasion.
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