Print

Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole with Ritz Topping

crispy cheesy zucchini casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy zucchini casserole featuring a gooey cheese blend and a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners and a crowd-pleaser with a unique texture combo.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, sliced thin (about 4 cups)
  • Salt, to draw out excess moisture
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Slice 4 medium zucchinis into thin rounds (about ¼ inch or 6 mm thick). Place them in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently squeeze the zucchini slices to remove moisture.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan. Season with black pepper and add dried herbs if using. Stir until well combined.
  4. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing crackers in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix crumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the zucchini and cheese mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Check after 25 minutes to avoid burning.
  7. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Salting and squeezing zucchini is key to avoid sogginess. Use full-fat cheeses for best flavor and melt. Rest casserole after baking for better texture. Ritz crackers can be substituted with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour for gluten-free version. Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini casserole, cheesy zucchini, Ritz cracker topping, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, vegetable casserole

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/crispy-cheesy-zucchini-casserole-with-ritz-topping-easy-homemade-recipe/