Zucchini Tomato Casserole is a tasty summer dish. It has thinly sliced zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and onions. These are layered with cheeses and herbs, giving it a rich flavor.
This Italian-inspired recipe is great for family dinners or potlucks. It’s also a satisfying main course or side dish. The golden, breadcrumb-topped crust adds to its appeal.
If you love zucchini or want to try something new, this guide is for you. It shows how to make a delicious Zucchini Tomato Casserole. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Zucchini Tomato Casserole is a flavorful Italian-style dish that combines thinly sliced zucchini, tomatoes, and onions with a blend of cheeses and herbs.
- The recipe typically uses medium zucchini, beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, and dried Sicilian oregano for enhanced flavor.
- The casserole can be served as a side dish or a main course, making it a versatile addition to your summer menu.
- This dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks, and can be prepared in advance for easy assembly and baking.
- The recipe yields 4-6 servings, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the next day.
Understanding the Italian-Style Zucchini Tomato Casserole
The Italian-style zucchini tomato casserole is a great way to enjoy summer’s fresh zucchini. It mixes zucchini and tomatoes’ sweetness with Pecorino Romano cheese’s richness. Breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture.
Benefits of Making This Summer Dish
Making this casserole is a smart way to use summer’s italian zucchini and tomatoes. It’s not just tasty but also healthy. The mix of veggies, cheese, and herbs makes it a balanced meal.
Key Ingredients Overview
The main parts of this zucchini sauteed with onions casserole are zucchini, tomatoes, onions, Pecorino Romano cheese, and breadcrumbs. Together, they create a dish full of flavor and texture.
Required Kitchen Equipment
To make this casserole, you’ll need a few tools. A 9×13 inch baking dish is key for baking. You’ll also need a sharp knife or mandoline for slicing. A large skillet is needed to cook the veggies before baking.
With the right ingredients and tools, you can make a delicious Italian-style zucchini tomato casserole. It’s a summer favorite with its fresh veggies, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs.
Essential Ingredients and Preparation
To make a true Italian zucchini recipes like the zucchini casserole, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need 3 medium zucchini, 2 large tomatoes, and 2 large onions. Grated Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, savory flavor. Breadcrumbs and Sicilian oregano give texture and aroma. Don’t forget minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
Getting the prep right is crucial for this zucchini casserole. Start by slicing the veggies thinly and grating the cheese. Mix breadcrumbs with herbs and spices. Cook the zucchini and onions in a skillet with garlic to add depth of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 3 medium |
| Tomatoes | 2 large |
| Onions | 2 large |
| Pecorino Romano Cheese | Grated |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Sicilian Oregano | 2 tsp |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Drizzle |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparing Your Vegetables for the Perfect Casserole
To make a tasty zucchini tomato casserole, preparing your veggies right is crucial. From how you slice them to drying out excess moisture, each step is important. It helps get the flavors and textures just right.
Proper Slicing Techniques
Begin by cutting your zucchini lengthwise into thin, even slices. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for this. Thin slices not only look good but also cook evenly.
Try to make your slices about 1/4 inch thick. This way, they’ll be tender but still firm.
Pre-cooking Tips for Zucchini
Before you put everything together, pre-cook the zucchini and onions. Sauté them in a skillet with some garlic until they’re soft but still hold their shape. This step makes the flavors richer and ensures the veggies are cooked well.
Reducing Excess Moisture
To avoid a watery casserole, get rid of extra moisture. Drain the tomatoes well and dry the zucchini slices with paper towels before layering. This simple step helps your casserole turn out perfectly balanced.
By following these steps, you’ll make a zucchini tomato casserole that looks great and tastes amazing. Next, we’ll show you how to assemble it, so you can enjoy this delicious dish.
Zucchini Tomato Casserole Assembly Process
Making the perfect zucchini casserole starts with how you put it together. First, layer cooked zucchini and onions in a greased dish. Then, place sliced italian zucchini and tomatoes on top. Sprinkle Pecorino Romano cheese and herbs over each layer.
Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This adds a lot of flavor. For the top, mix breadcrumbs, more cheese, and olive oil. This makes a crispy, golden crust that’s perfect with the soft veggies.
- Arrange 6 medium-sized zucchinis, pre-cooked and sliced, in the baking dish.
- Layer sliced fresh plum or heirloom tomatoes over the zucchini.
- Generously sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried basil over the vegetables.
- Season each layer with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 slices of fresh breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Your zucchini tomato casserole is now ready for the oven. The baking will mix the flavors and textures beautifully. Next, we’ll talk about how to bake it to get that perfect golden crust.
Baking Instructions and Tips for Success
Baking the perfect baked zucchini casserole is key to a delicious Italian dish. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful and beautiful zucchini tomato casserole.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust
A golden crust is all about the baking. Make sure the casserole is spread evenly in the dish. Add shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for crunch. A drizzle of olive oil or melted butter can also enhance the golden color.
Testing for Doneness
The baked zucchini casserole is done when most liquid is gone and zucchini is tender. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to blend and texture to set.
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 | 4.75 from 4 votes |
Follow these tips for your italian zucchini recipes to wow your guests. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite of this baked zucchini casserole.
Conclusion
The zucchini tomato casserole is a delightful Italian-inspired dish. It celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh summer produce. By following the step-by-step guide and using proper preparation and baking techniques, you can create a perfectly balanced casserole. It has tender vegetables and a crispy, golden crust.
Whether you serve this zucchini tomato casserole as a side dish or the main course, it’s sure to impress. The combination of juicy tomatoes, flavorful zucchini, and melted cheese creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different herb and spice combinations. You can also incorporate other summer vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers. Embrace the Italian zucchini theme and make this casserole a staple in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What is Italian-style Zucchini Tomato Casserole?
Italian-style Zucchini Tomato Casserole is a tasty summer dish. It has thinly sliced zucchini, tomatoes, and onions. These are layered with cheese and herbs.
It’s topped with a garlicky breadcrumb mix. Then, it’s baked until it’s bubbly.
What are the key ingredients in the casserole?
The main ingredients are medium zucchini, beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, and onions. Pecorino Romano cheese and dried Sicilian oregano add flavor.
What kitchen equipment is needed to make this dish?
You’ll need a 9×13 baking dish and a mandoline or sharp knife. A large skillet is also needed for pre-cooking the vegetables.
How do you prepare the vegetables for the casserole?
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin pieces using a mandoline or sharp knife. Pre-cook the zucchini and onions in a skillet with garlic until they’re soft but not mushy.
Drain the sliced tomatoes and pat the zucchini dry with paper towels. This helps reduce excess moisture.
How do you assemble the casserole?
Start by layering the pre-cooked zucchini and onions with sliced tomatoes, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and herbs in a greased baking dish. Alternate the layers of vegetables and cheese.
Season each layer with salt, pepper, and oregano. Top it all with a mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and olive oil for a crispy crust.
What are the baking instructions for the casserole?
Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. It should be bubbly and the top golden brown.
For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning. The casserole is ready when most liquid has evaporated and the zucchini is tender.
Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 large onions
- Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Sicilian oregano
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin 1/4-inch slices using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Pre-cook the zucchini and onions in a skillet with garlic and olive oil until soft but not mushy.
- Slice the tomatoes and drain them to remove excess moisture. Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.
- Layer the pre-cooked zucchini and onions in the baking dish. Follow with sliced tomatoes, and sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, pepper, and Sicilian oregano.
- Repeat layering the vegetables and cheese.
- For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with additional cheese and olive oil. Spread the mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Source Links
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