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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Prepare Baking Vessel: Thoroughly butter a 9-inch baking dish, establishing a non-stick foundation for layering ingredients.
- Craft Cream Base: Whisk cream cheese, milk, basil, and nutmeg into a silky, aromatic mixture that will bind the casserole’s components.
- Layer Vegetables: Alternate zucchini and tomato slices methodically, creating a visually appealing and flavorful landscape within the dish.
- Season Strategically: Sprinkle salt, pepper, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves between each vegetable layer, building depth of flavor.
- Integrate Cheese Elements: Distribute cream cheese mixture and shredded Italian cheese across the layers, ensuring even coverage and rich taste.
- Finalize Casserole Construction: Top the final layer with remaining cheese, dotting butter across the surface to promote golden, crispy browning.
- 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.
- 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