Savoury Summer Squash and Tomato Casserole Delight

Craving a delicious tomato zucchini casserole? My simple and hearty version is bursting with fresh flavours! Perfect for weeknights! Try it today!

May 16, 2025
By Sandra.

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Discover the Joy of Tomato Zucchini Casserole

Hey there, friends! have you ever wanted to impress your family with a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor? well, let me introduce you to the tomato zucchini casserole .

This vibrant dish not only screams summer but also combines the juicy goodness of tomatoes with tender zucchini, layered with aromatic herbs.

It’s like a warm hug on a plate, right?

Now, did you know that this dish finds its roots in classic ratatouille? it celebrates the bounty of garden veggies, and you’ll love how it lights up your dinner table! honestly, making this casserole is a breeze.

It’s easy-peasy – perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies. you’ll have just about 55 to 60 minutes of your life invested into making something glorious that serves six people.

How’s that for a win?

Why You'll Love This Casserole

Let’s talk health. this tomato zucchini casserole is not just delicious; it packs in nutrition, too! with fresh veggies bursting with vitamins a and c, it’s great for your immune system.

Plus, how about serving this beauty for a cozy family dinner or that summer potluck where everyone brings their a-game? trust me, this dish will have folks coming back for seconds.

What truly makes this recipe special is its versatility. it can be a stellar main dish or a fantastic sidekick to pair with your favorite protein.

Whether you embrace it as a zucchini tomato bake or a hearty zucchini tomato casserole , it's going to shine.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some spinach or even a hint of feta cheese for a little mediterranean flair.

When i first experimented with this recipe, i was floored by how all those fresh ingredients just melded together in the oven.

From the moment you pop it in, your kitchen will smell like a little italian trattoria. plus, there's something extremely satisfying about serving a dish that’s both beautiful and healthy!

So, grab your chopping board and let's get into those delicious ingredients next. You won’t regret trying this one!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tomato Zucchini Casserole Delight

Oh my gosh, let’s dive right into what you need to whip up this scrumptious tomato zucchini casserole ! it’s seriously such an easy and satisfying dish.

Perfect for summer nights or just whenever you need a veggie-packed meal. here’s the lowdown on the ingredients and equipment to get you rolling.

Main Ingredients

For the casserole, grab these goodies:

• 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, about 500g )
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced, roughly 600g )
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced, around 150g )
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh - trust me, go fresh if you can!)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh )
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (that’s about 200g - get the good stuff for that melty goodness!)

For the topping, you’ll need:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (approximately 100g )
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25g )
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional but oh-so-pretty!)

Quality indicators: Look for zucchinis that are firm and shiny. Tomatoes should feel heavier than they look and have a nice deep color.

Seasoning Notes

Now, seasoning is where the magic happens!

• Essential spice combo: The dried oregano and thyme? They’re game-changers! Honestly, they remind me of sunny afternoons cooking with fam.
• Flavor enhancers: Garlic and onion are non-negotiables. There's just a special something they bring, right?
• Quick substitution options: If you're out of one herb, don’t sweat it! You could swap it out for Italian seasoning or even some fresh parsley in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this dish! Here’s what you’ll want:

• Large mixing bowl - Gotta mix all that goodness together!
• 9x13-inch baking dish - Ideal for layering your casserole.
• Sharp knife and cutting board - Safety first. Chop it all up like a pro!
• Measuring cups and spoons - Precision, folks!
• Wooden spoon or spatula - For mixing and spreading.
• Aluminum foil - Helps keep the casserole moist while baking. You know the drill!

And hey, if you don’t have a 9x13-inch dish, any similar baking dish will work just fine. No stress!

So, get those ingredients lined up and let’s move on to the fun part—layering and baking all this deliciousness together! a fresh zucchini tomato bake like this one is bound to impress everyone.

You got this!

Cooking Method: Tomato Zucchini Casserole

Alright, my foodie friends! let’s dive into this savoury summer squash and tomato casserole delight —a dish that brings all the summer vibes! before we jump into cooking, let's get our act together with some prep steps.

Essential Mise en Place

First up, let's chat about mise en place . this fancy term just means having everything ready to roll. so, grab your zucchinis, tomatoes, and all those seasonings.

Further, slice your onions and mince the garlic. this part makes the cooking smoother than a sunday morning pancake.

Time-Saving Organization

Now, for some time-saving tips! keep your utensils and baking dish handy. also, got a mandoline slicer? it’s a lifesaver for even zucchini slices.

It’s like having a chef in the kitchen—no uneven cuts and perfectly cooked veggies!

Safety Reminders

Lastly, a quick safety shout-out: be careful with those sharp knives when you slice and dice! And remember, always wash your hands after handling raw veggies.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preheat Oven: Start by setting that oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . You want a nice, warm welcome for our casserole.

2. Prepare Vegetables: Toss your sliced zucchinis and tomatoes into a large bowl. Add that sliced onion and minced garlic. Don’t forget the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper! Mix it all up nicely.

3. Layer casserole: spread half of your veggie mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish . next, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.

   This layering is key for a rich flavor burst. then, add the remaining veggies and finish with the rest of that cheesy goodness.

4. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This topping’s gonna get all crispy and delicious, just wait!

5. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes . This gives those veggies time to get cozy.

6. Uncover and crisp: after that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15- 20 minutes . keep an eye on it till the top is golden brown and crispy.

   That’s your cue it’s ready!

7. Cool and Serve: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before carving into it. You’ll thank yourself later when it doesn’t fall apart on your plate!

Pro Tips

• Choose Firm Veggies: For best results, grab firm zucchinis and ripe, juicy tomatoes. You want that fresh texture in your Zucchini Tomato Bake !

• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool a bit before serving. This helps it hold its shape better. Nobody likes a messy slice!

• Make-Ahead Options: You can totally prep this the night before and let it hang in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to dig in! Perfect for those busy weeknights!

Common mistakes? Don’t overcook it—aim for that golden crispiness but avoid a mushy disaster.

So there you have it! your tomato zucchini casserole is not only an epic addition to your dinner table, but it also celebrates garden-fresh flavors.

Enjoy this dish, and remember, cooking is all about having fun! happy cooking, everyone!

Tomato Zucchini Casserole: The Perfect Comfort Dish!

Serving Suggestions to Wow Your Guests

Alright, let’s chat about how to make your tomato zucchini casserole really shine on the table. first off, plating is key.

Layer it in a rustic baking dish; that way, it looks like you pulled it straight from a cozy italian kitchen.

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for that pop of green—oh my gosh, it just makes the dish sing!

As for sides, i can’t recommend a crunchy garden salad enough, maybe something with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zingy balsamic vinaigrette.

You know? it gives it that fresh punch! and if you’re feeling a tad indulgent, serve it with some warm garlic bread on the side.

Heaven! a crisp white wine or even sparkling water with a slice of lemon works wonders with this casserole.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Now, storage is super important when it comes to leftovers (if you have any!). just cover that casserole well and pop it in the fridge; it should be good for about 3-4 days .

If you’re thinking about freezing it, totally do it! just make sure it’s completely cooled first. store it in an airtight container, and it should be fine for up to 3 months .

When you’re ready to chow down, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and just reheat it in the oven.

You might want to cover it for the first bit to keep it nice and moist.

Variation Ideas for Everyone

Honestly, the fun part about zucchini tomato bake is how adaptable it is! if you’re going vegan, skip the cheese, toss in some nutritional yeast, and you’re golden! for a twist, how about adding some crunchy spinach into the mix? yum! or spice it up mediterranean-style with olives and feta.

You could even toss in some herbs like dill or thyme—seriously, the options are endless!

Nutrition Basics: Health Benefits Galore

Let’s talk nutrition. this delish zucchini casserole recipes offers a nice boost of vitamins a and c from those ripe tomatoes and zucchinis.

Plus, with about 250 calories per serving, you can enjoy it without a mountain of guilt. did you know zucchini is actually good for your eyes and loaded with antioxidants? yeah, it’s pretty great!

Wrap-Up: Dig In!

So, whether you’re working on a cozy weeknight meal or prepping for a family gathering, this tomato zucchini casserole is your go-to.

Don’t stress if it’s not perfect—what matters is that you’re having fun in the kitchen. now grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and let’s make this dish a new family favorite!

Savoury Summer Squash and Tomato Casserole Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (about 500g)
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced (about 600g)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 150g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 200g)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (about 100g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and slice the zucchinis and tomatoes.
3. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.
4. In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchinis, tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
5. Spread half of the vegetable mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining vegetable mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella.
6. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the melted cheese layer.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.