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Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole with Ritz Topping

crispy cheesy zucchini casserole - featured image

A quick and easy zucchini casserole featuring a creamy cheesy base and a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping that makes veggies irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis (about 800g / 1.76 lbs), thinly sliced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g / 7 oz)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g / 1.75 oz)
  • 1 cup sour cream (240ml / 1 cup)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120ml / ½ cup)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g / 4 tbsp), melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Slice into thin rounds or grate using a box grater.
  2. Place the zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Press the zucchini with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir gently until evenly incorporated.
  5. Crush the Ritz crackers finely in a bag or food processor. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Salting and pressing the zucchini is crucial to avoid a watery casserole. Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Melted butter in the Ritz cracker topping ensures a golden, crispy finish. If topping browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Variations include using pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb version, vegan substitutes for dairy and eggs, and adding spices or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini casserole, cheesy zucchini bake, Ritz cracker topping, easy casserole, vegetable casserole, comfort food, cheesy side dish