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.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups fresh zucchini, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping plus extra for greasing)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini plus seasoning to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, Ritz cracker topping, cheddar cheese casserole, crispy vegetable bake, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian casserole