Zucchini Tomato Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe
This Zucchini Tomato Casserole with Crumb Topping is a savory baked dish featuring layers of thinly sliced zucchini and tomatoes topped with a flavorful mix of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, finished with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian side or main, it offers a delicious blend of tender vegetables and a crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cheese and Spices
- 1–1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 zucchini squash, sliced thin
- 4–5 medium tomatoes, sliced
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 cup fine bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix cheese and spices: In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Layer vegetables and cheese: Arrange a single layer of sliced zucchini at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with one-quarter of the cheese and spice mixture. Add a single layer of sliced tomatoes on top, then sprinkle another quarter of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until all zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese mixture are used.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the fine bread crumbs until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the layered vegetables and cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the topping is golden and crusty.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or basil on top before serving.
- Use day-old bread crumbs for better texture in the crumb topping.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes before serving.
- To reduce sodium, adjust the salt amount to taste and use low-sodium cheese options.
