Cheesy & Delicious: Try This Loaded Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Summary:
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Zucchini Casserole! Packed with tender zucchini, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce, it's the perfect savory dish for any meal. Follow the easy steps to make this creamy, satisfying casserole at home!
Loaded Zucchini Casserole
This creamy zucchini casserole is loaded with tender zucchini and crispy bacon, all coated in a savory cheese sauce. To avoid a watery casserole, make sure to press the zucchini slices with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before baking.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 7 cups)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup cooked and finely crumbled bacon (3 slices), divided
2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini; cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a colander; let drain for 5 minutes to drain. Press dry with paper towels.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, until thickened into a paste, about 15 seconds. Slowly whisk in milk and sour cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until combined and smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking often, until bubbling around the edges, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper and salt; cook, stirring, until smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Whisk in egg until combined.
Transfer the zucchini to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the zucchini; sprinkle with 1/4 cup bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions and the remaining 1/4 cup bacon. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.