Description
This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a delicious layered vegetable bake perfect for a healthy, comforting meal. Featuring fresh zucchini, ripe tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust for added texture and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 medium tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the pan from heat.
- First Layer: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the zucchini slices in an even layer, followed by half of the tomato slices. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to season.
- Add Onion, Garlic, and Cheese: Spread half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the tomato layer. Then, evenly sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, tomatoes, onion and garlic mixture, and cheeses.
- Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the vegetables to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the vegetables are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your warm, comforting dish!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant taste.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
