As the sun beams down and zucchini season hits its peak, there's no better way to celebrate the bounty of your garden or local farmers' market than with a delicious Zucchini Casserole.
This crock pot recipe not only makes use of fresh, in-season produce but also offers a convenient and cooler cooking method during those hot summer months.
The creamy, smoky, and herb-infused flavor notes of this casserole make it a standout dish. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can enjoy more of your summer days without being tied to the kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Busy schedules don't pause for summer, making it a challenge to prepare homemade meals. However, this crock pot zucchini casserole recipe is a game-changer.
It's ideal for anyone looking to whip up a nutritious and tasty side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're planning a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
The ease of slow cooking allows for a set-it-and-forget-it approach, giving you back valuable time. Moreover, the flavors meld beautifully over the cooking time, creating a dish that's both comforting and delicious.
Have a bunch of yellow squash you need to use? Try my Crock Pot Yellow Squash Casserole.
Cooking with Seasonal Produce
Leveraging seasonal produce in your recipes not only infuses fresh flavors but also ensures you're enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value.
Whether it's incorporating fresh zucchini or sweet summer squash, seasonal produce recipes elevate the taste and nutritional profile of your dishes, making every bite a celebration of the season's best offerings.
Check out my list to find out what produce is in season every month of the year.
Zucchini Casserole Ingredients
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
Ingredients and Their Roles:
- Fresh Zucchini: The star of the show, providing a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a plethora of nutrients.
- Diced Onion & Sliced Celery: These add a depth of flavor and a nice crunch.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Melted Butter: Gives the stuffing mix a rich, moist texture.
- Boxed Herb Stuffing Mix: Offers an herbaceous note and acts as a thickener and binder for the casserole.
- Cream of Celery Soup or Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy base that brings all the components together.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: Adds a layer of smoky, creamy goodness, elevating the dish.
👇See the step by step directions below!
Recipe Prep
Prep Work: Begin by slicing your fresh zucchini into quarter-inch slices. Follow by slicing the celery, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Shred the smoked Gouda cheese and set aside.
Step by Step Directions
- Step 1: Stuffing Mix Preparation: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter. Reserve 1 cup for topping and set aside.
- Step 2: Creating the Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream soup with onions, celery, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of Gouda and the larger portion of the stuffing mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick.
- Step 3: Combining with Zucchini: Place the sliced zucchini in a 7- or 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the soup mixture over the zucchini, folding gently to incorporate.
- Step 4: Slow Cooking: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Step 5: Final Touches: Once tender, sprinkle the reserved stuffing and remaining Gouda over the top. Cover again until the cheese melts, then serve warm.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, yellow squash can be used interchangeably with zucchini in this recipe.
No, peeling is not required. The skin adds color, texture, and nutrients.
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crock pot insert and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Begin cooking it the next day according to the recipe instructions.
Optional Add-Ins
Consider adding these for an extra burst of flavor:
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Cooked bacon bits
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)
Perfect Pairings
Serve this casserole with:
- BBQ's Ribs
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted pork tenderloin
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing leftovers: While freezing is possible, the texture of the zucchini may change upon thawing and reheating. For best results, reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warm.
Helpful Cooking Tools
Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.
📌Pro Slow Cooking Tips
- Don't skimp on the prep - slicing the zucchini uniformly ensures even cooking.
- Experiment with the cheese - while Gouda is recommended, other cheeses like cheddar can also work well.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time - slow cookers vary, so adjust accordingly.
- Stir gently when combining ingredients to keep the zucchini intact.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, if necessary.
A Must-Try Recipe for Your Next Dinner
This Crock Pot Zucchini Casserole is not just a dish; it's a summer sensation that brings comfort, flavor, and nutrition to your table with minimal effort.
Perfect for any occasion, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
More Casserole Recipes
More easy casserole recipes for you to try.
⭐Leave a Star Rating
Have you tried the recipe? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below to let me know how the recipe turn out.
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Crock Pot Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Zucchini (rinsed and sliced 6 cups sliced)
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ cup sliced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup melted butter
- 6 oz. Box Savory Herb stuffing mix (divided)
- 2 cans cans cream celery soup or mushroom soup (10.5 oz cans)
- 8 oz. shredded smoked gouda cheese (divided)
Instructions
Recipe Prep
- Begin by slicing your fresh zucchini into quarter-inch slices. Follow by slicing the celery, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Shred the smoked Gouda cheese and set aside.
Assemble Zucchini Casserole
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter. Reserve 1 cup for topping and set aside
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream soup with onions, celery, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of Gouda and the larger portion of the stuffing mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick.
- Place the sliced zucchini in a 7- or 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the soup mixture over the zucchini, folding gently to incorporate.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Once tender, sprinkle the reserved stuffing and remaining Gouda over the top. Cover again until the cheese melts, then serve warm.
Recipe Expert Tips
- Don't skimp on the prep - slicing the zucchini uniformly ensures even cooking.
- Experiment with the cheese - while Gouda is recommended, other cheeses like cheddar can also work well.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time - slow cookers vary, so adjust accordingly.
- Stir gently when combining ingredients to keep the zucchini intact.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, if necessary.
Joy McDonald
This looks like a simple but delicious recipe, perfect for excess zucchini... I'm going to try this one soon! I will be featuring your post this week! #HomeMattersParty
Joanne
That sounds delicious!