Creamy Zucchini Tomato Casserole Recipe for Garden Lovers

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this mouthwatering zucchini tomato casserole recipe that captures garden-fresh goodness.

Layers of tender zucchini mingle with ripe, juicy tomatoes in a comforting dish that sings of warm afternoons.

Herbs and cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh vegetables from the garden or local market shine in every delectable bite.

Melted cheese forms a golden, crispy top that adds irresistible richness to this simple yet spectacular meal.

The combination of seasonal vegetables makes this casserole a delightful way to celebrate summer’s best produce.

Grab a fork and savor every memorable, satisfying spoonful of this incredible vegetable masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 25min

Total Time: 45min

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Zucchini Tomato Casserole: Everything You’ll Need

• Zucchini: Tender summer squash that provides a delicate, mild base for the casserole; choose firm, bright green zucchinis without blemishes or soft spots.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, vibrant ingredient that adds bright acidity and color; select ripe, firm tomatoes with deep red color and smooth skin.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses deep, pungent flavor; pick fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin and no sprouting.
• Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb that brings a fresh, peppery note; select bright green leaves without wilting or dark spots.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy, rich binding agent that creates a smooth texture; choose full-fat variety for maximum richness.
• Milk: Helps thin the cream cheese mixture for better spreadability; whole milk provides richer consistency.
• Shredded Italian Cheese: Melty, flavorful topping that adds golden-brown crispness; select a blend with mozzarella and parmesan for best results.

• Salt: Enhances natural vegetable flavors and balances overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides warm, slightly sweet undertone that complements cream cheese.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create golden, crispy top layer; use unsalted for better control of salt content.

Kitchen Tools for Zucchini Tomato Casserole Success

• 9-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing zucchini and tomatoes with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for vegetable preparation.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for creating the creamy cheese mixture.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add the right amount of salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred the Italian cheese for even distribution.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing and spreading the cream cheese blend.

How to Assemble Zucchini Tomato Casserole

• Kitchen Preparation

Get your cooking space ready with a clean countertop and all necessary cookware. Warm up the oven to create the perfect baking environment.

• Vegetable Foundation

Create delicate layers of zucchini slices as the base of your casserole, seasoning gently with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.

• Tomato Transformation

Arrange vibrant tomato slices over the zucchini, sprinkling aromatic garlic and fresh herbs to build depth and complexity in your dish.

• Creamy Ensemble

Craft a luxurious cream cheese blend that will weave through the vegetables, adding richness and smoothness to each bite.

• Layering Magic

Alternate between zucchini, tomatoes, and creamy mixture, creating a harmonious landscape of textures and tastes. Scatter Italian cheese between layers to introduce a golden, melty dimension.

• Butter Finale

Dot the surface with small butter pieces, which will melt and create a beautiful golden crust during baking.

• Oven Transformation

Bake until the casserole becomes bubbly and develops a gorgeous caramelized top, signaling its perfect doneness.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the casserole to settle for a few moments, letting flavors meld. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm, inviting everyone to enjoy your culinary creation.

Tips and Tricks for Zucchini Tomato Casserole

• Replace Italian cheese blend with sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or tangy feta for a personalized flavor profile. Each cheese selection transforms the dish's overall taste and richness.
• Substitute fresh basil with fresh thyme, oregano, or chopped rosemary to create exciting flavor dimensions. Dried herbs work well too when fresh herbs aren't available.
• Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken between layers for extra protein and depth. Vegetarian options include adding roasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Scatter seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers on the final cheese layer before baking. This technique adds a delightful golden-brown crispy texture that elevates the casserole's overall appeal.

Ways to Serve Zucchini Tomato Casserole

• Garden Fresh Companions: Pair this casserole with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
• Mediterranean Meal Upgrade: Serve alongside grilled chicken or flaky white fish to transform this vegetable dish into a complete protein-packed dinner experience.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and vegetable juices from the casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform the casserole into a morning delight by adding a poached egg on top and serving with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Smart Storage Tips for Zucchini Tomato Casserole

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining its delicious texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy its original flavors.
• Portion Control Hack: Cut the casserole into individual servings before storing, making it easier to grab a quick meal or lunch throughout the week without disturbing the entire dish.

Cheesy Zucchini Tomato Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45min
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mediterranean Zucchini Tomato Casserole blends fresh garden vegetables with rich Italian herbs and cheeses. Layers of sliced zucchini, ripe tomatoes, and melted mozzarella create a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 zucchinis (about 6 to 7 cups sliced)
• 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup Italian blend shredded cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) whipped cream cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) milk
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• salt
• ground black pepper
• chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Prepare Baking Vessel: Thoroughly butter a 9-inch baking dish, establishing a non-stick foundation for layering ingredients.
3. Craft Cream Base: Whisk cream cheese, milk, basil, and nutmeg into a silky, aromatic mixture that will bind the casserole’s components.
4. Layer Vegetables: Alternate zucchini and tomato slices methodically, creating a visually appealing and flavorful landscape within the dish.
5. Season Strategically: Sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves between each vegetable layer, building depth of flavor.
6. Integrate Cheese Elements: Distribute cream cheese mixture and shredded Italian cheese across the layers, ensuring even coverage and rich taste.
7. Finalize Casserole Construction: Top the final layer with remaining cheese, dotting butter across the surface to promote golden, crispy browning.
8. Bake and Transform: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 22-25 minutes for vegetables to tenderize and cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden crust.
9. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole settle for 10 minutes after baking, then adorn with fresh basil leaves before serving warm and inviting.

Notes

• Slice Thickness Matters: Cut zucchini and tomatoes uniformly (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Moisture Management: Pat zucchini and tomato slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery and compromising the creamy texture.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded Italian cheese blend for superior melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Temperature Resting: Let the casserole rest exactly 10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set, making cutting and serving easier while maintaining optimal flavor integration.

• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 25min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg