Luscious Cheesy Zucchini & Squash Bake
Indulge in this Luscious Cheesy Zucchini & Squash Bake, a delightful and hearty casserole that combines the freshness of summer vegetables with a rich, creamy finish. This recipe features tender layers of sautéed zucchini, summer squash, and sweet Spanish onion, interspersed with juicy tomatoes and generously topped with creamy parmesan cheese. The use of butter in the cooking process ensures an irresistible, golden-brown layer that complements the tender vegetables, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners, this casserole is worth every calorie, loaded with flavor and comfort.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
8 (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
Summer Squash
8 (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
Spanish Onion
1 (thinly sliced and quartered)
Tomatoes
3 (quartered)
Parmesan Cheese
16 ounces (grated)
Butter
1 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the vegetables by slicing the zucchini and summer squash into ½-inch thick rounds.
3
Thinly slice the Spanish onion and then cut each slice into quarters.
4
Cut the tomatoes into quarters, creating bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large frying pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add one batch of mixed zucchini and summer squash, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring gently to avoid browning. Add a quarter of the sliced tomatoes and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside. Repeat the process in batches for the remaining vegetables.
7
Once all the vegetables are sautéed, layer them evenly in a large casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
8
Sprinkle 4 ounces of parmesan cheese over the first layer of vegetables. Repeat this layering process until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of parmesan on top.
9
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the squash is tender.
10
Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to get bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in the Luscious Cheesy Zucchini & Squash Bake?
The main vegetables are zucchini and summer squash, used in equal quantities.
How many zucchinis are required for this recipe?
You will need 8 zucchinis.
How many summer squashes should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 8 summer squashes.
What type of onion is best for this casserole?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 Spanish onion.
How many tomatoes are included in the dish?
You should use 3 tomatoes, cut into quarters.
What kind of cheese is used in this bake?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of grated parmesan cheese.
How much butter is needed for cooking?
A total of 1 cup of butter is used throughout the cooking process.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the zucchini and squash be sliced?
They should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
How should the Spanish onion be prepared?
Thinly slice the onion and then cut each slice into quarters.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the recipe?
The tomatoes should be quartered into bite-sized pieces.
Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before baking?
Yes, the vegetables should be sautéed in butter for about 5 minutes before layering.
Why should I sauté the vegetables in batches?
Sautéing in batches ensures you do not overcrowd the pan, which helps the vegetables cook evenly.
Should the vegetables be browned during the sauté process?
No, you should stir gently to avoid browning while sautéing.
When do I add the tomatoes to the pan?
Add a quarter of the tomatoes after the squash and zucchini have sautéed for 5 minutes, then stir and remove from heat.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
The casserole dish should be sprayed with cooking spray before adding the vegetables.
How is the casserole layered?
Layer the sautéed vegetables evenly and sprinkle 4 ounces of parmesan cheese over each layer.
What should be the final layer of the casserole?
The casserole should finish with a generous layer of parmesan cheese on top.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time.
How long does the bake take in the oven?
The total baking time is 2 hours.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of the 2-hour baking period.
What is the purpose of removing the foil at the end?
Removing the foil allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the squash is tender and the cheese is golden.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for potluck dinners.
Can I use this recipe for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed as a hearty comfort food for family gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It combines fresh summer vegetables with a rich, creamy, and salty parmesan finish.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: zucchini, squash, onion, tomatoes, parmesan, and butter.
What type of dish is this?
It is a vegetable casserole, specifically a cheesy bake.
Is this a good way to use summer produce?
Yes, it is an excellent recipe for using fresh summer zucchini and squash.
How much parmesan cheese is used per layer?
The recipe suggests sprinkling 4 ounces of parmesan over the first layer and repeating the process.