If you are looking for a comforting, fresh, and absolutely delicious dish to brighten your meal times, you are going to love this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe. It takes humble ingredients like zucchini and dill and transforms them into a golden, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend lunch, with a texture that’s delightfully tender and a taste that’s wonderfully fragrant from the dill. Let me walk you through everything you need and how to bring this lovely casserole to life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that perfect cheesy crunch on top.
- 1 cup baking mix: This acts as the base and helps hold everything together with a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that makes the casserole irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon dried dill: The star herb here, bringing an aromatic and slightly tangy freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors just right.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for a subtle kick without overpowering the zucchini’s delicate taste.
- 4 large eggs (slightly beaten): These provide structure and richness, binding the casserole beautifully.
- 1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the casserole moist with a subtle flavor that lets the herbs shine.
- 3 cups diced zucchini: Fresh and tender, this is the main veggie that offers a light, juicy bite.
- 1 large chopped onion: Adds a sweet and savory underpinning, balancing the freshness of the zucchini.
How to Make Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that by the time you have your casserole mixed together, your oven is perfectly ready to bake it. You’ll also want to grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking and help the golden crust develop beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. This dry blend is the flavor-packed foundation that will infuse every bite with that classic zucchini dill goodness.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs and canola oil until smooth and consistent. This liquid mixture will give the casserole a lovely richness and help keep it moist and tender as it bakes.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mix and stir gently until they’re just blended. You want the batter to be uniform, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Step 5: Add the Zucchini and Onion
Fold in the diced zucchini and chopped onion carefully, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly coated with the batter. These chunks will bring bursts of flavor and a satisfying bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into your greased casserole dish, smoothing the top lightly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the casserole feels firm to the touch. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
How to Serve Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped dill or parsley on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil can also add a wonderful brightness that complements the casserole’s mellow flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting combo. If you want something heartier, garlic bread or roasted baby potatoes with herbs will round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this casserole into individual servings by baking it in muffin tins or ramekins—perfect for gatherings or lunches on the go. You could also layer it with slices of tomato or add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top for some extra crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s an easy meal prep option that tastes just as good when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze servings of this casserole before baking by covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust crispy and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Absolutely! Fresh dill can be used for an even brighter flavor. I recommend using about three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder than dried ones. Add it toward the end of mixing to preserve its freshness.
Is there a gluten-free option for the baking mix?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking mix that is designed for savory dishes. Just make sure it has the right leavening agents to keep the casserole light and fluffy.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots to customize the casserole to your liking. Just keep the total vegetable volume similar so it bakes evenly.
What if I don’t have canola oil? What’s a good substitute?
Olive oil or vegetable oil works just as well in this recipe. The key is to use a mild-flavored oil so the dill and parmesan remain the highlights.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
To make this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe dairy-free, swap the parmesan cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my beloved go-to dishes because it truly celebrates simple ingredients with a flavor that feels special every single time. It’s approachable enough for any level of cook but impressive enough to serve to friends or family. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will earn a sweet spot on your regular menu because it just hits the right note of comfort and freshness perfectly.
Print
Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole is a quick and flavorful baked dish featuring fresh zucchini, savory parmesan, and fragrant dill. Perfect for a light dinner or a comforting side, this casserole combines a crispy golden crust with tender vegetables for a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup baking mix
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (slightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup canola oil
Vegetables
- 3 cups diced zucchini
- 1 large chopped onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, shredded parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, and black pepper, blending them thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the slightly beaten eggs and canola oil together until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Pour the egg and oil mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until all components are fully incorporated.
- Add Vegetables: Fold the diced zucchini and chopped onion into the batter, spreading evenly to ensure all pieces are coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and pour the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute canola oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Check the casserole around 20 minutes to prevent overbaking, as ovens vary.
- For a lower-fat option, consider reducing oil slightly or using an oil spray to grease the dish.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
