Zucchini Casserole Recipe With Stuffing Mix

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole • The View from Great Island

Zucchini Casserole Recipe With Stuffing Mix image source: theviewfromgreatisland.com

“Food is an important part of a balanced diet.” ― Frank Zappa

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that comes with all the flavors of classic casserole recipes. The key ingredients in this savory dish are zucchini, breadcrumbs, melted cheese, and stuffing mix. Assemble the casserole in minutes and pop it in the oven for a tasty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Zucchini Casserole Recipe with Stuffing Mix Overview

This recipe for Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is an oven-baked vegetarian dish that is packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up fresh zucchini and the addition of stuffing mix creates an extra special crunchy texture. It also has a dash of spices for a added bit of flavor. The dish is perfect for a dinner side, lunch, or even breakfast.

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole can be modified easily to accommodate different dietary choices. Use gluten-free stuffing mix if needed, go meatless and use vegan cheese and cream cheese to make this a vegan-friendly dish, or use turkey stuffing mix and ground beef for a non-vegetarian variation. Simply adjust the ingredients to meet your needs!

This casserole requires just 10 minutes of preparation time and takes 25 minutes to cook. One large dish yields between four to six servings.

Ingredients:

1 large zucchini, sliced thin
1 cup stuffing mix
1 cup shredded cheese, any variety
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange sliced zucchini in an 8-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle stuffing mix over the zucchini.
Top with shredded cheese.
In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
Pour the butter mixture over the cheese. Dot the top of the casserole with the cream cheese.
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 255
Total Fat: 19 g
Cholesterol: 37 mg
Sodium: 391 mg
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 11 g

Cooking Time & Servings:

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4-6

Equipment

8-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy the zucchini casserole hot with a side salad for a light and delicious dinner.
Garnish the top with chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.
Serve as a side dish to your favorite grilled meat or vegan protein option.

Variation Ideas:

Add cooked veggies for extra nutrition and flavor.
Swap out breadcrumbs and use crushed crackers or crushed chips for added crunch.
Substitute the stuffing mix for short grain rice to give the dish a unique, risotto-like texture.
Top with chopped bacon or cooked sausage for a non-vegetarian variation.
Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for a delicious flavor twist.

Substitutions:

Use vegan cheese and cream cheese in place of regular dairy cheese for a vegan-friendly dish.
Substitute gluten-free stuffing mix for a version that’s safe for individuals with a gluten intolerance.
Use your favorite type of shredded cheese for added flavor.

Storage:

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate, covered in plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.
To store in the freezer, let the casserole cool, then wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven just before serving for best results.

Tips:

Use day-old bread to make delicious homemade breadcrumbs that add a pleasant crunch.
Grate the zucchini on the smaller side of a box grater for thin, evenly-sized slices.
Spray the baking dish with cooking oil or grease with butter for best results.
Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before dotting it over the casserole.

Notes:

If you can’t find stuffing mix, you can substitute it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and oregano), and melted butter.
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole on the top rack of the oven for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
For added protein, top the dish with cooked turkey sausage or vegan crumbles.
Serve with your favorite condiment and a side of vegetables or salad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Frozen zucchini can be used, however it will release a bit more moisture into the dish than fresh zucchini since it’s already been cooked and frozen.
Can I substitute other herbs for the ones in the recipe?
Yes. However, if substituting, be sure to adjust the amount and type used. Some herbs, like rosemary and thyme, are strong so be sure to use them sparingly.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes. You can top the dish with cooked sausage or bacon for a non-vegetarian version, or top with vegan sausage crumbles or chopped walnuts for a vegan-friendly dish.

Personal Thoughts

This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is one of those dishes that is always a hit with the whole family. The flavors are delicious with the blend of zucchini, melted cheese, butter, and the crunch of the stuffing mix. And, it can be altered to fit different diets and preferences, making it an easy dish to please the whole crowd.

This casserole is also incredibly simple to put together. With a few easy steps and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can have this dish on the table in 35 minutes or less. Serve it as a side to your favorite main, with a slice of fresh bread and a salad, or make a simple meal out of it with a side of cooked rice or quinoa.

This dish is a great way to use up summer zucchini, or any zucchini you have on hand, really. Try mixing up the flavors with different herbs and spices, or experiment with different cheeses or crunchy toppings. This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is sure to become a regular on your menu rotation – enjoy!