Grandma’s Baked Zucchini Casserole is my second favorite way to eat the plethora of zucchini that graces our summer table! Obviously, my favorite is Chocolate Zucchini Cake! Moreover, this is the dish that I always request for my birthday dinner. Always. Grandma’s Baked Zucchini Casserole tastes like a little slice of cheesy heaven AND it’s super easy to make. As long as you have Kraft Cheese Whiz on hand, you probably have the rest sitting around too.
This recipe is part of our series Foraging Minnesota. Learn more about gardening, foraging, and wild game there. Or, try some of our other zucchini recipes like our Chocolate Zucchini Cake and our Lemon Zucchini Bread. We also have a great Zucchini Chicken Burger. Also visit our other site livedan330.com
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini
First, go to your garden and grab a couple of the zucchinis. After all, they are in full swing in our garden now. I seriously LOVE summer eating!
Slice it into uniform sized rounds. I usually choose a medium size zucchini, but you could grab a larger one, just cut it down the center lengthwise before slicing it. Toss them into an 11×7 glass pan that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. No need to neatly organize, just toss the zucchini rounds. Try to keep them about the same amount throughout the pan.
Making the Casserole
Take out the Kraft Cheese Whiz and dollop spoonfuls over the entire pan. Don’t skimp on this step. You will not regret the extra cheesy goodness!
Once that is done make your croutons. Yes. Homemade croutons! They really set this dish apart and are way better than store bought. And, again, EASY! I use 3-4 slices or bread and slice them into cubes. Usually, Grandma would always cut the crusts off, but I like the texture of crunchy crusty croutons, so I use the whole slice of bread.
Melt 1/2 to 3/4 stick of butter in a large frying pan then sprinkle some garlic salt into the butter. Next, add your bread slices. Sprinkle a little more garlic salt on the top of the bread and stir to coat. Cook over medium heat until crunchy and golden to dark brown.
Bake The Casserole
Toss the homemade croutons over the top of your zucchini and cheese and put your Grandma’s Baked Zucchini Casserole into a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes, checking after 35 minutes. Bake until the Kraft Cheese Whiz is melted and bubbly and zucchini is tender. The Kraft Cheese Whiz together with the homemade croutons and freshly picked zucchini melt in your mouth. Serve hot!
You will probably make this twice the first week you try it. Not only does it makes a great side dish, but also you can eat it as a meal on its own. Going back to my favorite birthday dinner, I’d always request Grandma’s Baked Zucchini Casserole as a side in addition to Grandpa’s Best Ever Chicken and Summer Salad. Plus cake. Afterall, it’s not a birthday without cake!
Pair This Side Dish With…
This delicious side dish would go great with our Beer Can Chicken, 321 Rib Recipe, and our Smoked Pulled Pork. Another summertime favorite is our grilled chicken wings.
Don’t forget to check out liveDan330.com for other great recipe ideas or for tips on gardening as well.
Printable Recipe
Zucchini and cheese with homemade croutons on top make this dance on your tongue!
15 minPrep Time
45 minCook Time
1 hrTotal Time
Yields 6 servings
Save RecipeIngredients
- 2 medium size zucchinis, sliced
- 1 jar Kraft Cheese Whiz
- 3-4 slices Bread, cubed
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1-2 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
- Prep Zucchini: Slice 2 medium size zucchini into rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Toss zucchini slices evenly into an 11x7 inch glass baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drop dollops of Kraft Cheese Whiz on top of zucchini and set aside
- Make Croutons: Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a large frying pan.
- Sprinkle 1/2 tsp garlic salt into the melted butter.
- Cut 3-4 slices of bread into cubes. Add to the butter mixture and sprinkle with another 1/2 tsp of garlic salt. Toss bread cubes to coat in the butter and garlic salt. Continue to cook until the bread is golden to dark brown and crispy.
- Add homemade croutons to the top of the zucchini and cheese mixture.
- Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, checking at 35 minutes. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly and zucchini is tender.
- You can easily make this recipe bigger for larger groups.
