Zucchini Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Ingredients

1. All-purpose flour provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
2. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the casserole a fluffy texture. (I use aluminum-free baking powder.)
3. Parsley flakes add a mild herbaceous flavor and a touch of color.
4. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish. (Sea salt is my choice.)
5. Garlic salt adds a savory, garlicky flavor and additional saltiness.
6. Oregano provides a warm, aromatic taste.
7. Paprika adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a bit of color.
8. Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
9. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture. (Feel free to use your favorite kind of cheese.)
10. Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
11. Melted butter or Oil adds moisture and richness and helps bind the ingredients together. (Using oil results in a neutral flavor and a moist, tender texture, while butter adds a rich flavor and a slightly fluffier texture.)
12. Grated fresh zucchini adds moisture, a tender texture, and mild flavor. It's the main vegetable component of the casserole.
13. Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

Cracker Topping:

14. Ritz crackers, crushed
    • Provides a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy casserole.
15. Melted butter
    • Adds richness and helps the cracker topping brown and become crispy.

These ingredients combine to create a well-balanced casserole with a mix of textures and flavors, from the creamy, savory filling to the crunchy, buttery topping.

How to Prepare the Zucchini

Wash: Rinse the zucchini under warm water to remove any dirt or residue.

Trim: Cut off the ends. (It does not need to be peeled.)

Grate: Use a box grater (affiliate link) or food processor to grate the zucchini. For this casserole, you'll need 3 cups of grated zucchini. (If your zucchini is huge and full of seeds, I recommend removing the seeds and the core before grating to avoid a watery texture in your casserole.)

Drain: When grating large zucchinis, they tend to create lots of liquid. Drain any excess liquid.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Zucchini Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Prepare Zucchini: Wash and grate the zucchini. Drain excess liquid.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the beaten eggs and melted butter until well combined.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir the grated zucchini and chopped onion into the mixture.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish or a 9x9" pan.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
8. Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. (I place my crackers into a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Don't crush them to powder, it's nice to have some crunchy pieces.) Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it is set and the top is lightly browned.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Summer Squash: Substitute summer squash for zucchini for a similar texture and flavor.
2. Ground Meat: Add 1 pound of browned hamburger or ground turkey to the mixture before baking to make it a complete one-dish meal.
3. Bisquick Substitute: Use 1 cup of Bisquick instead of the flour and baking powder.
4. Cheese-Free: Omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version.
5. Cracker Topping: Leave off the cracker topping for a simpler casserole.
6. Seasonings: Switch up the seasonings as desired. If you prefer it simple, stick with the basics of salt and pepper.

Additional Ideas:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary for varied flavors. Sprinkle a bit of fresh herbs over the top before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapenos, or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Texture: Incorporate a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the mixture for extra creaminess.
• Protein Options: Try adding cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free baking mix as a substitute for regular flour.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your tastes and dietary preferences!

Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?

Yes, you can! During zucchini season, I shred and freeze any extra zucchini to use for making zucchini goodies over the winter. (Zucchini is amazing in sweet and savory dishes alike.) I portion the shredded zucchini into bags according to the amount needed for my favorite recipes and label each bag. I always add a bit extra, as frozen zucchini tends to shrink.

To use frozen zucchini for making this Amish casserole, defrost the frozen grated zucchini. Then place the thawed zucchini into a colander or strainer to drain excess water. Frozen zucchini often releases a lot of moisture, so it's important to remove most of it to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

What to Serve With Zucchini Casserole

Zucchini Casserole with Ritz cracker topping can easily stand as a main dish, especially if you opt for adding ground beef. Serve it with a side salad such as this seven-layer lettuce salad, broccoli salad, or pepper cabbage slaw.

This dish can also be served as a side with almost any of your favorite meals. It would be delicious served with mini cheesy meatloaves, chicken croquettes, barbecued chicken, shake-and-bake chicken, etc.

More Amish Zucchini Recipes

• Double Chocolate Zucchini Cake
• Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Zucchini Bread with Pineapple

I hope you enjoy this Zucchini Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers. If you try this Amish recipe, I'd love it if you left a comment and star rating below. Thank you!

Check out my YouTube channel at My Amish Heritage