A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

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A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. This zucchini bake recipe is easy, irresistibly delicious and a great way to use up extra garden vegetables since it is loaded with 3 pounds of zucchini!

This recipe has simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This is the best kind of comfort food – so satisfying but light being mostly vegetables, well technically fruit because zucchini is a fruit – seriously!

Every year, Mom grows enough zucchini in her yard to feed a small army so we are always on the lookout for new zucchini recipes! My Mother-in-law shared this recipe with my husband and it quickly became a new favorite. P.S. Have you tried our all-time favorite zucchini recipe

A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

Ingredients for Zucchini Casserole:

The ingredients in this zucchini rice casserole are so simple and basic but they are a winning combination of flavor and texture.

A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

*To cook rice for this recipe, you will need 1 cup of uncooked rice. Here is an easy tutorial from Olga’s Flavor Factory on how to cook white rice.

How to Make Zucchini Casserole Recipe:

Prep: Preheat oven to 400˚F and butter a 9×13 baking casserole dish.

1. Grate zucchini on the large holes (the grating attachment on a food processor makes it so easy!). You should get 7 to 8 cups before squeezing dry. Transfer grated zucchini to a colander over the sink and stir in 1 tsp salt. Let stand for 10 min, stirring a couple of times then squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands. Transfer drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl.

Two photos of zucchini spirals in a bowl one being salted and one squeezed by a hand

2. Mix 2/3 cup of sour cream with 1/2 tsp baking powder and let it stand while zucchini drains (8-10 min).

Two photos of a mixture for cheesy zucchini casserole

3. Into the mixing bowl with drained zucchini, stir in 4 eggs and sour cream mixture.

Two photos of zucchini being prepared for a cheesy zucchini casserole

4. Add cooked rice and 2 cups shredded cheese. Stir in 1/2 cup chives, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning.

A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

5. Pour mixture into buttered casserole dish and lightly spread 1/3 cup sour cream over the top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the surface and bake uncovered in the center of your oven at 400˚ for 40 min. Let it stand for 10 min before serving.

A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

This zucchini bake was on the menu twice last week and it disappeared fast! It tastes like comfort food but in a light and feel good way. I love the light sweetness of the zucchini, the salty crust and moist creamy center. I find this dish completely irresistible and I hope you love it as much as we do!

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

4.96 from 134 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com
A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. This zucchini casserole recipe is easy, irresistibly delicious and a great way to use up extra garden vegetables!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 people a side dish
  • 3 lbs green zucchini (6 medium)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided (1 tsp for sprinkling and 1/2 tsp for casserole)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice*
  • 1 cup sour cream, (divided into 2/3 and 1/3)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 4 eggs (large)
  • 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash seasoning, or your favorite salt-free seasoning
  • 8 oz Colby jack cheese, 3 cups shredded (or use Mexican cheese)
  • 1/2 cup chives, chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 400˚F and butter a 9x13 casserole dish.

    How to Make Zucchini Casserole:

    • Grate zucchini on the large holes (or the grating attachment on a food processor). Transfer grated zucchini to a colander over the sink and stir in 1 tsp salt. Let stand 10 min, stirring a couple of times then squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands. Transfer drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl.
    • Mix 2/3 cup sour cream with 1/2 tsp baking powder and let stand while zucchini drains (8-10 min).
    • Into the mixing bowl with drained zucchini, stir in 4 eggs and sour cream mixture.
    • Add cooked rice and 2 cups cheese. Stir in 1/2 cup chives, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp
    • Mrs Dash seasoning.
    • Pour mixture into buttered casserole dish and spread 1/3 cup sour cream over the top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the surface and bake uncovered on the center rack at 400˚ for 40 min. Let stand for 10 min before serving.

    Notes

    *To cook rice for this recipe, you will need 1 cup of uncooked rice.

    Nutrition Per Serving

    279kcal Calories18g Carbs13g Protein17g Fat9g Saturated Fat123mg Cholesterol675mg Sodium603mg Potassium1g Fiber5g Sugar1030IU Vitamin A32.2mg Vitamin C285mg Calcium1.4mg Iron
    Nutrition Facts
    Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    279
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    17
    g
    26
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    56
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    123
    mg
    41
    %
    Sodium
     
    675
    mg
    29
    %
    Potassium
     
    603
    mg
    17
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    18
    g
    6
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1030
    IU
    21
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    32.2
    mg
    39
    %
    Calcium
     
    285
    mg
    29
    %
    Iron
     
    1.4
    mg
    8
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Zucchini Casserole
    Skill Level: Easy
    Cost to Make: $
    Calories: 279
    Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

    If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

    A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com

    This zucchini casserole is the perfect way to use sweet summer zucchini and a great way to re-purpose leftover white rice.

    Q: Do you have a go-to recipe for summer zucchini?

    A golden cheesy crust seals in the fluffy, moist and creamy center of this zucchini casserole. An easy and irresistibly delicious zucchini casserole recipe | natashaskitchen.com
    4.96 from 134 votes (67 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

    • Barbara
      August 16, 2017

      Delicious !!! My family love it. I recommend for sure, do it without thinking, you will not regret. Good job Natasha !!!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        August 16, 2017

        I’m happy to hear how much you and the family enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review Barbara!

        Reply

    • Lucy
      August 4, 2017

      Hey Natasha!
      Thanks for a great recipe!
      So I had made this dish on Tuesday, it was eaten all too fast by my kids and husband. They insisted for me to make it again ,soon! Today I made it again , but twisted things around.
      I made this dish into a dessert, I didn’t put seasonings or onions, and kept everything else the same,but I put sugar instead. It’s actually pretty good!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        August 5, 2017

        You’re welcome Lucy! I’m glad to hear how much your family enjoys the recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

        Reply

      • Dodie
        August 24, 2017

        Does this freeze well?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          August 24, 2017

          Hi Dodie, I haven’t tried freezing it so I can’t really say. Maybe someone else has tried? Thanks in advance!

          Reply

    • Kim
      August 4, 2017

      Hi Natasha, what can i substitute for Mexican cheese? Thanks.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 4, 2017

        Hi Kim, Monterey Jack or even Mozarella cheese would work 🙂

        Reply

        • Kim
          August 7, 2017

          Hi Natasha, thank you for your responded. I’ve just made it with Mozzarella cheese, it turned out wonderful ! I served it with Tabasco sauce too. Thanks again for another great meals.

          Reply

          • Natasha's Kitchen
            August 7, 2017

            My pleasure Kim! I’m so glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!

            Reply

    • Natasha
      July 30, 2017

      Made this today – turned out ok but accumulates quite a bit of water at the bottom of the dish and when cut, doesn’t hold well together. I think adding four to the recipe would take care of that. Also garlic or garlic powder would add more flavor. Overall, a good recipe- thank you. Keep zucchini recipes coming- we have a ton in our garden now and running out of ideas.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 31, 2017

        Hi Natasha, dos you make sure to squeeze or the excess liquid from zucchini – that definitely helps. Also, make sure you let it rest for a little bit when it comes out of the oven and then it is easier to cut and holds together better.

        Reply

    • Luda
      July 30, 2017

      gosh Natasha! I made this yesterday and it’s so soooooo good. Thank you so much

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 31, 2017

        You’re welcome Luda! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂

        Reply

    • James | Thyme to Mango
      July 27, 2017

      I’m so glad I stumbled across this recipe. I’m always on the look out for new zucchini recipes (I think zucchini is my favourite summer vegetable/ fruit!), and this one looks awesome! 😀

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 28, 2017

        It is so simple and delicious! If you decide to make it, please let me know what you think James! 😀

        Reply

      • James | Thyme to Mango
        August 2, 2017

        It turned out great Natasha, it was the perfect side to dinner last night!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          August 2, 2017

          Awesome, I’m glad to hear that James!

          Reply

    • Chelsea
      July 27, 2017

      Looks delicious! About how many cups of shredded zuchinni did you use?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 27, 2017

        Oh now I wish I had measured it that way! I would guess 7 to 8 cups shredded before squeezing out the juice.

        Reply

        • Chelsea
          July 27, 2017

          Thank you! Making it right now and adding crumbled sausage! 😋

          Reply

          • Natasha's Kitchen
            July 27, 2017

            My pleasure Chelsea!

            Reply

    • Oksana
      July 27, 2017

      Thank u for this recipe!! I have a bunch in my garden and I was thinking of recipes ! Lifesaver! Will try it!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 27, 2017

        You’re welcome Oksana! Please let me know what you think of the recipe!

        Reply

    • Natasha @ Salt & Lavender
      July 27, 2017

      What a wonderful way to use up a bounty of summer zucchini!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 27, 2017

        Thanks, I agree! 🙂

        Reply

    • Andrea
      July 27, 2017

      Hi Natasha! Can I know if I can replace the zucchini with broccoli? I am not a fan of zucchini and neither is my family. Thank you!!!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 27, 2017

        Hi Andrea, I haven’t tried with broccoli so I’m not 100% sure but I do think it would be worth an experiment 🙂

        Reply

    • Oksana
      July 26, 2017

      It is absolutely delicious!!!! I would have never thought to combine zucchini and rice. It is very moist and light. I had to do one trick though. My kids don’t eat zucchini so I peeled the green. When they tried it they rolled their eyes with a delight))) Thank you for an easy but satisfying dish !!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 26, 2017

        You’re welcome Oksana! I’m happy to hear you family enjoys the recipe as much as mine does! Thanks for sharing your excellent review! 🙂

        Reply

    • Tatyana
      July 26, 2017

      A tasty and healthy recipe! I omitted Mrs Dash spice and substituted a half cup of cheese with feta cheese. 5-star recipe all around. Thanks N’sK!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 26, 2017

        You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review! 🙂

        Reply

    • Olviya Ivanov
      July 26, 2017

      You are killing it with the zucchini recipes! I made the zucchini fritters and was so surprised at how something so simple can taste so good!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 26, 2017

        Thank you so much Oliviya! I’m so glad you enjoyed the fritters. I’m working on another zucchini recipe this week. We’re on a zucchini roll! 😉 We also have so many growing right now that we are forced to work with them 😉

        Reply

    • Marguerite Michaud
      July 26, 2017

      Hello ! In the instruction, at the end of number 4, is it à 1/2 teaspoon of pepper? It is not written… Thank you very much. Marguerite

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 26, 2017

        Hi Marguerite, that is 1/2 tsp of Mrs. Dash which is an all-purpose salt-free seasoning.

        Reply

    • Stephanie
      July 26, 2017

      Could brown rice be substituted for white?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 26, 2017

        Hi Stephanie, I think that would work just fine to use pre-cooked brown rice instead of white – even healthier! 🙂

        Reply

    • R
      July 26, 2017

      Hi Natasha!
      Can I use Cheddar instead of Colby or Mexican cheese?

      Thank you

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 26, 2017

        Hi, I think a mild or medium cheddar would work well instead of Colby or Mexican. I probably wouldn’t add that much sharp cheddar though – it might overpower the dish.

        Reply

        • R
          July 26, 2017

          Thank you for your quick reply! I love your blog!! ❤️

          Reply

          • Natasha's Kitchen
            July 26, 2017

            My pleasure! I’m glad to hear that, thank you! 🙂

            Reply

    • 2pots2cook
      July 25, 2017

      You are my inspiration dear Natasha. Your creations, using simple available ingredients are exactly what I (or should I say “everybody”) appreciate the most. And also there is your kind and polite way to answer back to everyone…. you are really the best ! Thank you !

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        July 26, 2017

        It’s my pleasure! Thank you for following and sharing your thoughtful comments! 🙂 <3

        Reply

    • Dorota
      July 25, 2017

      Amazing! I love zucchini.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 25, 2017

        Thank you Dorota! I hope you enjoy this one! 🙂

        Reply

    • Barbara
      July 25, 2017

      My mouth is watering, I must try it for sure.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 25, 2017

        I hope you love the recipe! 🙂

        Reply

    • Larissa
      July 25, 2017

      Do you think this will work with yellow squash and zucchini mixed? Or just yellow squash?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        July 25, 2017

        Hi Larissa, yes I do think that would work great as a mix. We only planted green this year but you can do this with both 🙂

        Reply

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