Ingredients
For the casserole
- 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare zucchini: Slice zucchini into thin, even rounds. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese melts.
- Assemble: Arrange zucchini in the baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the slices. Gently toss or spread the sauce through the zucchini.
- Make topping: Combine ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parsley.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Quick Recipe
Slice zucchini → make garlic cream-cheese sauce → mix with zucchini → top with mozzarella, Parmesan & breadcrumbs → bake at 375°F for 30–35 min → broil until golden → rest & serve.
Nut & Allergy Information — IMPORTANT
- Peanuts: None naturally.
- Tree nuts: None naturally.
- Dairy: Contains milk from butter, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
- Gluten: Breadcrumbs may contain wheat. Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Eggs: Usually none, but check packaged breadcrumbs.
- Soy: Usually none, but check cheese and breadcrumbs for additives/cross-contact.
- For a severe nut allergy, check every packaged ingredient’s allergen statement because manufacturing facilities can vary.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Calories: ~390 kcal
- Protein: ~17 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fat: ~31 g
- Saturated fat: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
- Sodium: ~650–750 mg
- Calcium: ~400 mg
Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the exact cheeses, cream, butter, and breadcrumbs used.