Indulge in the fresh, bright flavors of a Cheesy Tomato Zucchini Casserole—a delightful medley of garden-fresh zucchini and ripe tomatoes layered with gooey mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and aromatic garlic olive oil. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece, crowned with crispy panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a light vegetarian main, this casserole comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor, and savor the ultimate blend of cheesy goodness and wholesome veggies.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
Slice the zucchini and tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set aside.
Mince the garlic cloves and mix them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with a layer of tomato slices. Drizzle a small amount of the garlic olive oil mixture over the vegetables.
Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella and a light layer of Parmesan over the vegetables. Repeat the layers (zucchini, tomato, olive oil mixture, cheeses) until all vegetables are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle this over the top layer of the casserole.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If the breadcrumbs need additional browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Calories |
1554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.5 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 201 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 9177 mg | 399% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.1 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.6 g | ||
| Protein | 86.8 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2238 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 2440 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.