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Cozy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe with Crispy Ritz Topping

cozy cheesy zucchini casserole - featured image

A quick and easy cheesy zucchini casserole topped with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker crust, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, shredded and squeezed dry
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Shred the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Crush the Ritz crackers finely and mix with melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clump together.
  7. Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the zucchini layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini to prevent soggy casserole. If topping browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds. For lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini casserole, cheesy casserole, Ritz cracker topping, easy side dish, potluck recipe, comfort food