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Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe Easy Golden Ritz Topping Guide

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A comforting zucchini casserole with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping and a melty cheese base, perfect for a quick and easy side or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced or shredded (about 4 cups)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Slice or shred 4 medium zucchinis. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Then, press or squeeze the zucchini firmly with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pressed zucchini, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 beaten large egg. Season with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
  4. Spread the zucchini and cheese mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  5. Crush about 1 1/2 cups of Ritz crackers until they’re coarse crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional), and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  6. Evenly distribute the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the zucchini base.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Tent with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes if the topping browns too fast.
  8. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to set up and help the flavors meld.

Notes

Press zucchini well to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess. Mix melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers before topping to ensure even browning and crispiness. Watch oven temperature carefully to prevent burning the topping. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. For gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini casserole, cheesy casserole, Ritz cracker topping, crispy casserole, easy zucchini recipe, comfort food, cheesy zucchini bake

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