If you love cozy comfort food that’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together, you’re going to adore this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of tender zucchini and onion embraced by a golden, cheesy crust with a bright hint of dill that makes every bite delightful. Whether you want a quick weeknight side or a light main dish, this casserole delivers warmth and freshness that feels like a big, inviting hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe are straightforward yet essential, coming together to create that perfect balance of savory, herby, and creamy textures. Each item has its own role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 cup baking mix: Acts as the base to hold everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a lovely cheesy nuttiness and helps develop a golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon dried dill: Adds a fresh, aromatic herb flavor that brightens the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors so they really pop.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
- 4 large eggs (slightly beaten): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the casserole moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cups diced zucchini: The star vegetable, delivering freshness and a mild sweetness.
- 1 large chopped onion: Gives a gentle bite and caramelized sweetness when baked.
How to Make Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and develops that irresistible golden top. While the oven warms up, dice your zucchini finely and chop the onion to make sure every bite has a perfect blend of textures.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, shredded parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. These dry ingredients make the flavor base that will wrap the zucchini and onion in a cozy, cheesy blanket. Whisking them together helps distribute the seasonings evenly for a consistent taste.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the slightly beaten eggs with the canola oil until they’re well blended. This mixture adds richness and moisture to the casserole, helping it bake up smooth and tender without being greasy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the egg and oil mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined. This step is key to making sure the batter has the right consistency—thick enough to hold the vegetables but loose enough to bake up soft and moist.
Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini and Onion
Gently fold your diced zucchini and chopped onion into the batter. You want these vegetables to be evenly coated without overmixing, so the casserole stays light and tender. The zucchini will add moisture, and as it bakes, the onion will soften and add a subtle sweetness.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top for even baking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top turns beautifully golden brown. This golden crust locks in all the flavors while giving that satisfying texture contrast.
How to Serve Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle some freshly chopped dill or parsley over the casserole right before serving. A light drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light salads, roasted meats, or grilled fish. Think crisp mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad that will enhance the herby notes and keep the meal bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes. You could even sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top just before serving and broil for a minute to create an extra cheesy crust that’s irresistibly bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole for a busy week, you can freeze it before baking. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s cooked through.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that wonderful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill in this casserole?
Absolutely! Fresh dill adds a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh dill as dried since it’s less concentrated. Just chop it finely and fold it in with the vegetables.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
That depends on the baking mix you use. To keep it gluten-free, choose a baking mix labeled as such. Otherwise, traditional baking mixes typically contain gluten.
Can I substitute the canola oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or light olive oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, as they may overpower the delicate flavors in the casserole.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese on hand?
You can swap parmesan for another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or asiago. If you want a milder flavor, try a good quality shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated carrots to customize the casserole. Just be mindful of moisture levels — draining watery vegetables beforehand helps keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a culinary hug—warm, comforting, and wonderfully fresh all at once. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave something a little wholesome and delicious. I truly hope you give it a try and make it a staple in your kitchen as much as I have!
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 flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining freshly diced zucchini and onions with a savory blend of parmesan cheese, dill, and a baking mix, this casserole is moist, tender, and has a delicious golden crust. Ideal for vegetable lovers seeking a comforting casserole with minimal ingredients and preparation time.
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 ensure it’s at the perfect baking temperature for the casserole.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, shredded parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the slightly beaten eggs with the canola oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until all components are fully combined into a uniform batter.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the diced zucchini and chopped onion carefully, making sure the vegetables are evenly coated and distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Notes
- You can substitute the baking mix with an all-purpose flour and baking powder blend if desired.
- For a stronger dill flavor, consider using fresh dill instead of dried, adjusting quantity to taste.
- To keep the casserole lighter, use a light canola oil or substitute with olive oil.
- Ensure the zucchini is well-drained if they release excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- This casserole can be served warm as a main dish or a side.
