Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Crock Pot Zucchini Casserole, a creamy blend of fresh zucchini and rich Gouda cheese. A perfect spring or summer side dish served on busy weeknights, summer BBQ's or a family dinner, this easy-to-make zucchini recipe combines the tender goodness of this favorite summer garden vegetable with the indulgent melt-in-your-mouth flavor of Gouda for a memorable side dish.
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.