Zucchini Casserole: Creamy, Cheezy 'Chini in 3 Easy Steps

Zucchini casserole is the perfect blend of healthy veggies and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, which makes it a perfect vegetarian dish that even meat eaters will enjoy. This simple dish has two main components: zucchini and cheese! However, if you want some protein or more flavor, there are almost endless ways you can give this dish your own personal touch.

Ingredients

• 2-4 zucchini, sliced and quartered
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar
• 3 eggs
• Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, etc) to taste
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
2. In mixing bowl, add cottage cheese, eggs, cream, cheddar, and seasonings. Then add zucchini and onions and mix well. 
3. Pour into a glass baking dish and bake in oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until fully cooked, then serve.

Customizations

• Chicken Zucchini Casserole
  If you want to turn your casserole into a fully balanced meal, add two cups of cooked, cubed chicken; 1 can of cream of chicken soup; and substitute eggs for one box of stuffing mix. 
• Skinny Zucchini Casserole
  Replace heavy cream with 1/2 tablespoon butter, replace cottage cheese with 3 tablespoons ricotta and 2 tablespoons parmesan, reduce cheddar to1/2 cup, and add 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs for a guilt-free dish. 
• Breakfast Zucchini Casserole
  For a tasty, easy morning meal, add in 2 cups of crumbled sausage, turkey sausage, bacon, or diced ham. 
• Beefy Zucchini Casserole
  Add 1 pound of cooked ground beef and substitute 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup for the heavy cream and cottage cheese, and you’ll have a meaty meal that everyone will enjoy. 
• Vegan Tomato Zucchini Casserole
  To make a dish that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy, puree 3 large tomatoes and mix with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 3tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 6 minced cloves of garlic, then combine with zucchini. Skip the cheese and creams or use non-dairy versions if you want it to be creamier.