This zucchini casserole deserves a standing ovation.

To keep this zucchini casserole tender and filling, you’ll need to salt the zucchini.

Fresh zucchini gets to a crisp-tender texture and does not mush out when cooked this way.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole in the dish to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The casserole’s creamy filling makes everything wonderfully cheesy, and the crunchy topping is savory and buttery.

It has all the flavors you love in theclassic side, thanks to Ritz crackers and fried onions.

Pull this up alongside grilled chicken, steaks, or other vegetables for the perfectsummer side.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole ingredients

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A buttery cracker and fried onion topping takes it all to the next level.

The good news is, this casserole shouldn’t have that problem.

To balance, water inside the zucchini moves out to the surface, in a move known as osmosis.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole spraying the dish with cooking spray

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The paper towels placed beneath the zucchini then soak up the excess liquid.

If you do rinse, verify to thoroughly dry the zucchini with paper towels before using in the casserole.

Can I Make Zucchini Casserole Ahead?

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole salting the zucchini

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Thaw at room temperature before baking as directed.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.

you’re able to also reheat small portions in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole draining the zucchini

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Complete the meal with rice, garlic bread, crusty bread, or yourfavorite summer sides.

Coat an 11- x 7inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cut zucchini:

Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut the quarters crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole whisking together the sour cream and eggs

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Place cut zucchini in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt; toss well to coat.

Turn zucchini out onto a double layer of paper towels.

Let stand 10 minutes.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole stirring in the cheese

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Stir zucchini into sour cream mixture.

Add casserole mixture to baking dish, and bake:

Pour zucchini mixture into prepared baking dish.

Cover tightly with foil; bake at 400F for 35 minutes.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole stirring the zucchini into the sour cream mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Uncover and add topping:

Uncover baking dish and sprinkle casserole with crackers and onions.

Bake an additional 10 minutes or until topping is browned.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, zucchini does not need to be peeled before using.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole adding the zucchini to the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Salting the zucchini, which draws out excess moisture, helps keep this casserole from becoming watery.

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole sprinkling the topping on the casserole

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Zucchini Casserole after baking with the topping

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox