If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with something both comforting and delightfully crispy, you will love the Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. This dish packs a punch of cheesy goodness balanced by tender zucchini, all topped with that buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, serving up a warm, satisfying casserole that’s easy enough for any cook to whip up but special enough to crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Crispy Topping: The crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy casserole beneath.
Cheesy Comfort: Sharp cheddar melds with tender zucchini to create a rich, flavorful base everyone loves.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and fresh zucchini to make this standout dish.
Versatile Side or Main: Whether as a side dish or a vegetarian main, it complements any meal perfectly.
Quick to Cook: Minimal prep time means you can have this casserole on the table faster than expected.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work together to bring rich flavor, texture, and color to your plate. From fresh veggies to creamy cheese and that signature Ritz cracker crunch, each element plays an important role in crafting the perfect Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole.

Fresh Zucchini: Thinly sliced or shredded for a tender, fresh veggie base that soaks up flavors beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers the bold, melty cheese flavor that binds the casserole together.
Ritz Crackers: Crushed to create that essential buttery, crunchy topping everyone adores.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to enrich the texture.
Butter: Melted and mixed with crackers to boost the topping’s flavor and crunch.
Eggs: Help bind the casserole for perfect firmness when baked.
Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the cheesy zucchini mix.
Garlic: Offers a warm, savory undertone enhancing overall taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out every ingredient’s best.

Variations for Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Feel free to personalize this cozy casserole to suit your palate or dietary needs—it’s an easy base that welcomes adjustments. Whether you want to make it lighter, add a protein punch, or switch up the crispy topping, each variation brings a new twist on the classic.

Make It Vegetarian or Vegan: Substitute cheese with plant-based options and use vegan butter for the topping.
Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Spice It Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne for a little kick.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley for extra aroma and freshness.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz to keep the crunch without gluten.

Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole Delight

How to Make Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash and thinly slice or shred your zucchini. To avoid excess moisture in the casserole, sprinkle a little salt on the slices, let them sit for 10 minutes, then gently squeeze out the water with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded zucchini, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, sour cream or Greek yogurt, beaten eggs, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter in a small bowl. Toss until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter to ensure a golden, crispy topping after baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or spray. Pour the zucchini and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, then evenly distribute the Ritz cracker topping over everything.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbling, and the casserole is set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Drain Zucchini Well: Removing excess moisture prevents a soggy casserole and keeps the texture perfect.
Use Sharp Cheddar: This enhances flavor depth and melting quality.
Don’t Skip Butter in Topping: It’s the secret to that signature rich, crisp crust.
Let it Rest Before Serving: This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Try Fresh Grated Nutmeg: A pinch adds subtle warmth that elevates the flavor wonderfully.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or basil sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads, roasted chicken, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a delightful single-serving experience or wrap portions in foil for picnic-ready meals or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. You can also freeze after baking, but for best texture, baking fresh is ideal.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore crispness, or use a microwave for a quick warm-up, though the topping may lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend for different flavor profiles and textures.

How to prevent the casserole from being watery?

Make sure to salt and drain the zucchini well before mixing; this step removes excess moisture and keeps the dish from becoming soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian. Simply avoid adding meat variations or choose vegetarian-friendly cheeses to keep it fully meat-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and plant-based sour cream to create a dairy-free version that still tastes delicious.

How many servings does this casserole make?

This recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

Final Thoughts

The Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special every single time. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this dish is packed with comforting layers of flavor and that unforgettable crisp topping. Grab your zucchini and crackers, and get ready for a delightful casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

The Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is a comforting and crispy baked dish combining tender zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to prepare, versatile as a side or main, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a warm, cheesy, and crunchy casserole everyone will love.

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and either thinly slice or shred the zucchini. Sprinkle the zucchini with about 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, gently squeeze the zucchini with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much water as possible, preventing a watery casserole.
Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, sour cream or Greek yogurt, beaten eggs, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir well until fully incorporated.
Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and place them in a small bowl. Add the melted butter and toss until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated, ensuring a golden and crispy topping once baked.
Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the zucchini and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, then evenly distribute the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs over the entire surface.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown, the casserole bubbles, and it is set firmly. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.

Notes

Drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid a soggy casserole.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and melt quality.
Do not skip butter in the cracker topping to achieve a crispy, rich crust.
Let the casserole rest after baking to set properly for neat serving.
Adding a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg can enhance the flavor with subtle warmth.