Description
This Easy Zucchini Cornbread Casserole is a delightful and moist baked dish combining the natural sweetness of cornmeal with fresh grated zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a comforting side or a light main, this recipe is simple to prepare, requiring only basic ingredients and about 50 minutes from start to finish. The casserole offers a golden crust and a tender, cheesy interior, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Dairy
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Other
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure the casserole does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This creates an even base for your cornbread mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the whole milk until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated zucchini until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to keep the batter light and avoid over-mixing.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture out of the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, but feel free to use a milder cheese like mozzarella if preferred.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with salads or soups.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute whole milk with a milk alternative for a dairy-free option, though texture may vary slightly.
