Description
This vibrant vegetable-forward casserole is the ultimate comfort food for garden harvest season. Thin slices of tender yellow squash and green zucchini are layered with a rich, savory marinara sauce and a blend of gooey cheeses. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish offers a perfect contrast of textures. It is a simple, nourishing, and vegetarian-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and even better as leftovers. Enjoy this rustic Italian-inspired bake as a wholesome side dish or a satisfying main.
Ingredients
4–5 medium yellow summer squash and zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch coins
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups high-quality marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the sliced squash and zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a small pan, sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
Layer the squash and zucchini slices, followed by a portion of the onion, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of dried oregano.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
To ensure the casserole is not watery, do not skip the step of salting the squash and patting it dry. This dish stores perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg