Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe is a warm and comforting Southern-style baked dish. Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe brings fresh zucchini, creamy sauce and cheesy topping together in one delicious bite.
This recipe is simple, budget-friendly and perfect for family dinners. The soft vegetables and crispy top layer create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. It is a great way to enjoy fresh zucchini in a rich and satisfying way.
My Experience With This Recipe
When I first made this casserole, I was surprised by how creamy and flavorful it turned out. The zucchini became soft but still held its shape. The cheese melted beautifully on top and created a golden crust.
The smell while baking was very comforting. It felt like a classic Southern home-cooked dish. My family enjoyed it with dinner, and everyone asked for seconds.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Side Dish / Casserole
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 240 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Fresh zucchini: 4 medium, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini
Wash zucchini carefully under clean water. Slice them into thin rounds. Sprinkle a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This removes extra moisture and improves texture during baking.
Cook onions and garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and light golden. Add garlic and stir for one minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
Sauté zucchini lightly
Add sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly tender. Do not overcook because zucchini will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
Prepare creamy mixture
In a large bowl, mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will create the rich base for Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe.
Combine ingredients
Add cooked zucchini, onions and garlic into the creamy mixture. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Add salt and black pepper for balanced flavor and seasoning.
Transfer to baking dish
Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish evenly. Spread it out so it bakes properly and cooks evenly in the oven.
Add cheese and topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Then add breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top. This creates a crispy golden crust after baking.
Bake the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove carefully and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Remove extra moisture from zucchini before baking
- Do not overcook zucchini in the skillet
- Use fresh cheese for better melting texture
- Add crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs for crunch
- Let casserole rest before serving for better slicing
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe is best served warm as a side dish. It goes perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken or baked fish. You can also serve it as a light vegetarian dinner.
The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a comforting addition to any meal. It is perfect for family dinners, holidays or potlucks.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Chicken Breast
- Roasted turkey
- Garlic bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked fish
- Green salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. You can also microwave small portions for quick meals.
Add a little cheese on top while reheating to keep it creamy and fresh. Do not freeze, as zucchini may become watery.
Paula Deen Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh zucchini: 4 medium sliced
- Onion: 1 medium chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can 10.5 oz
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini
- Wash zucchini carefully under clean water. Slice them into thin rounds. Sprinkle a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This removes extra moisture and improves texture during baking.
Cook onions and garlic
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and light golden. Add garlic and stir for one minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
Sauté zucchini lightly
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly tender. Do not overcook because zucchini will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
Prepare creamy mixture
- In a large bowl, mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will create the rich base for Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe.
Combine ingredients
- Add cooked zucchini, onions and garlic into the creamy mixture. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Add salt and black pepper for balanced flavor and seasoning.
Transfer to baking dish
- Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish evenly. Spread it out so it bakes properly and cooks evenly in the oven.
Add cheese and topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Then add breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top. This creates a crispy golden crust after baking.
Bake the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove carefully and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remove extra moisture from zucchini before baking
- Do not overcook zucchini in the skillet
- Use fresh cheese for better melting texture
- Add crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs for crunch
- Let casserole rest before serving for better slicing
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist
FAQs about Paula Deen Zucchini Casserole Recipe
1. Can I make Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the best fresh taste and texture.
2. Why is my zucchini casserole watery?
Zucchini naturally releases water during cooking. Salting and draining zucchini before cooking helps reduce excess moisture and keeps the casserole firm.
3. Can I use different cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese. Each cheese gives a slightly different flavor and melting texture.
4. Is this zucchini casserole healthy?
Yes, it includes fresh vegetables and moderate dairy. You can make it lighter by using low-fat sour cream and reduced cheese.
5. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes, cooked chicken or ground beef can be added. It turns the dish into a more filling main course instead of a side dish.
Conclusion
Paula Deen zucchini casserole recipe is a creamy, cheesy and comforting Southern dish. It is easy to prepare and perfect for using fresh zucchini.
The baked golden crust and soft vegetable filling create a delicious balance of flavor and texture.
This recipe works well for family meals, gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Once you try it, it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
