Creamy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
This Creamy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a beloved family recipe that brings back cherished memories from my childhood. My mom's comforting casserole features tender zucchini enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce enhanced with tangy sour cream and a generous helping of melted cheese. The addition of crispy cracker crumbs or bread cubes on top gives it a delightful texture, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course. Whether you're enjoying it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 lbs (sliced into thin rounds)
Butter
3 tablespoons (divided (1 tbsp for sauce + 2 tbsp for topping))
Sour Cream
1/4 cup (none)
Cheese, grated
1/4 cup (more than original recipe)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1 dash (none)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Chives
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Cracker crumbs or bread cubes
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the zucchini and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the sour cream, grated cheese, salt, and paprika. Cook slowly, stirring frequently until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
4
In a small bowl, beat the egg and then mix it into the cheese sauce along with the chopped chives. Stir this mixture into the zucchini in the casserole dish until well combined.
5
In another small bowl, mix the cracker crumbs or bread cubes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable used in this recipe is zucchini.
How many calories are in a serving of Creamy Cheesy Zucchini Bake?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much zucchini is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of zucchini.
How should the zucchini be prepared before cooking?
The zucchini should be sliced into thin rounds.
How long do you boil the zucchini?
Boil the zucchini in salted water for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 1.5-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What are the primary components of the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of butter, sour cream, grated cheese, salt, paprika, beaten egg, and chives.
How much butter is used in the sauce versus the topping?
1 tablespoon of butter is used for the sauce, and 2 tablespoons are used for the crumb topping.
Is there egg in this zucchini bake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 beaten egg which is mixed into the cheese sauce.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of sour cream.
What kind of cheese is used in the bake?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated cheese.
What herbs or spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, a dash of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of chopped chives.
What can be used for the crispy topping?
You can use either 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs or bread cubes for the topping.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It needs to bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 9.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
No, it is tagged as a low protein recipe with 5g of protein per serving.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a side dish or a light main course.
What is the final texture of the topping?
The topping becomes golden and crispy after baking.
What should you do after the zucchini is boiled?
You should drain the zucchini well before transferring it to the casserole dish.
How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Melt butter, stir in sour cream, cheese, salt, and paprika, and cook until smooth before adding the egg and chives.
Why should you let the dish cool slightly after baking?
Letting it cool slightly allows the flavors to meld together.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy casserole and is described as a simple family recipe.
What kind of food category does this fall into?
It falls under comfort food and vegetable side dishes.
How do you incorporate the egg into the dish?
Beat the egg in a small bowl first, then mix it into the cheese sauce before combining with the zucchini.
How do you prepare the crumb topping?
Mix the cracker crumbs or bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, the description notes it is a beloved family recipe from the creator's childhood.
What should the cheese mixture look like before adding the egg?
The mixture should be completely melted and smooth.