• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Recipes Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Keto Casseroles » Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

    Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

    Last updated: Oct 15, 2022 · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

    Jump to Recipe Card

    This zucchini casserole is amazing! Layers of zucchini, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella combine to give you a pizza-like experience without a doughy crust.

    Even the leftovers are great, so I sometimes double this recipe and make two casseroles.

    Zucchini casserole served in a white baking dish with a red napkin.

    I love zucchini! It's such a fresh-tasting vegetable. I really disliked it as a kid, but I think that was because I mostly ate it boiled, which is certainly not the best way to cook it.

    While I adore zucchini prepared in pretty much any other way (grilled zucchini is a fave), in this casserole, it's especially good. When combined with marinara sauce and cheese, it gives you a delicious pizza-like experience while remaining keto and gluten-free. It's one of my favorite ways to enjoy zucchini while it's in season.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storing leftovers
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe card

    Ingredients

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty zucchini casserole. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

    Olive oil spray: This is my favorite oil. It is so flavorful! But if you're unsure about cooking with it, you can use avocado oil instead. It has a higher smoke point.

    Fresh zucchini: Try to pick firm zucchini with smooth, dark green skin.

    Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, reduce the amount you use, or the casserole could end up too salty.

    Marinara sauce: It's best to use a sugar-free sauce such as Rao's. Needless to say, if you have homemade sauce, that would be perfect.

    Spices: I like to use dried oregano and garlic powder. Make sure the spices you use are fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish.

    Cheeses: I use shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan in this recipe.

    Instructions

    Making this zucchini casserole is so easy! The detailed instructions are listed in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

    Salt the zucchini slices to remove excess liquid. While this step is annoying, you really shouldn't skip it.

    Mix the drained zucchini slices with marinara sauce, spices, and shredded cheese.

    A photo collage showing steps 1-4 for making a zucchini casserole.

    Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the top with some more cheese.

    Bake the casserole until browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes in a 400°F oven.

    A photo collage showing steps 5-8 for making a zucchini casserole.

    Expert tip

    This is an easy recipe, but one step that you should not skip is salting and draining the zucchini. This step is not hard to do. It just requires patience, and it's important. It helps get rid of excess water and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.

    Frequently asked questions

    I don't like zucchini. Will I like this casserole?

    Well, obviously I think this casserole is delicious! But I love zucchini. However, I do have a very picky eater at home who has a hard time with many vegetables, zucchini included.

    This recipe is one of the only ways to get her to eat zucchini. She loves it. So give it a try! Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised.

    Another tasty casserole with similar flavors and no zucchini is this keto pizza casserole.

    Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

    Yes. Make sure to pick firm squashes and salt them to draw out excess liquids.

    Can I sub the mozzarella for a different cheese?

    Yes. Provolone is an excellent substitute. You can also use one of those bags of shredded cheese labeled as "Italian mix."

    Variations

    Sometimes I replace the marinara sauce with the same amount (1 cup) of sour cream. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same. It creates a different flavor profile - milder and creamier.

    I do like the marinara sauce version better. But sometimes it's nice to try something a little different.

    Serving suggestions

    This casserole makes an excellent side dish to almost any main course you can think of. I often serve it with one of the following main dishes:

    • Sole meunière
    • Pork rind crusted pork chop
    • Gluten-free chicken tenders
    • Baked chicken meatballs
    • Spicy chicken drumsticks

    Storing leftovers

    You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, in the microwave on 50% power. They are also surprisingly good when eaten cold!

    Zucchini casserole served in a white baking dish.

    Related recipes

    • Buttered Zucchini Noodles
    • Zucchini Lasagna
    • Keto Zucchini Fries
    • Zucchini Pizza Bites

    👩🏻‍🍳 I typically publish a new or an updated recipe once a week. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe! You can unsubscribe at any time.

    Recipe card

    Zucchini Casserole
    4.98 from 331 votes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Print Recipe

    Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

    In this tasty casserole, layers of zucchini, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella combine to give you a pizza-like experience
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Rest time40 mins
    Total Time1 hr 30 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 132kcal
    Author: Vered DeLeeuw

    INGREDIENTS

    • Olive oil spray
    • 6 medium zucchini (2 lb.)
    • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • 1 cup marinara sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella divided (6 oz)
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a square 2-quart baking dish with olive oil spray.
    • Slice the unpeeled zucchinis into ½-inch thick slices. Sprinkle them with salt. Place them in a colander and allow them to drain at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent a watery casserole.
    • Transfer the drained zucchini to a large bowl. Add the marinara sauce, black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and 1 cup mozzarella. Mix everything together.
    • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle it with the remaining mozzarella and with the Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes.
    • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving it. Like all casseroles, it tastes best when warm or at room temperature.

    WATCH THE VIDEO:

    NOTES

    This is an easy recipe, but one step that you should not skip is salting and draining the zucchini. This step is not hard to do. It just requires patience, and it's important. It helps get rid of excess water and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
    Sometimes I replace the marinara sauce with the same amount (1 cup) of sour cream. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same. It creates a different flavor profile - milder and creamier. I do like the marinara sauce version better. But sometimes it's nice to try something a little different.

    ADD YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost.
    DISCLAIMERSMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.

    NUTRITION PER SERVING

    Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 468mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 4g
    NEVER MISS A RECIPE! I typically publish a new or updated recipe once a week. Want them in your inbox? Subscribe!
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon

    ❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.

    More Keto Casserole Recipes

    • Mushroom Casserole
    • Keto Tuna Casserole
    • Broccoli Cheese Casserole
    • Keto Pizza Casserole

    About the Author

    Vered Deleeuw Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Vered DeLeeuw.

    Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered Deleeuw. It features real-food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.


    subscribe to healthy recipes blog
    Pinterest icon Facebook icon Youtube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Tiktok icon


    Comforting soups

    • Creamy Cauliflower Soup
    • Easy Tomato Soup
    • Egg Drop Soup
    • Cream of Broccoli Soup
    • Cabbage Soup
    • Butternut Squash Soup
    • Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Easy Hamburger Soup

    Footer

    Media mentions

    Media mentions of Healthy Recipes Blog: logos

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.


    By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


    Copyright © 2023