How to make Savory Dishes with Zucchini

Use either Fresh or Frozen Shredded Zucchini to Create Main Dishes

Nov 1, 2008 Deborah Harding

Frozen, shredded zucchini can be used to create many different dishes. The most common and easiest is to create a Zucchini casserole. The following recipe is very cheesy and surprising good. It makes about 6 servings so you might want to double it as your family will gobble it up.

Zucchini and Cheese Casserole

• 3 cups thawed, shredded zucchini
• 1 cup Cracker Crumbs (use Ritz or Wheat thins)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Drain any water that has accumulated from the frozen zucchini and pat with a paper towel until dry.
3. Combine all ingredients and place into a well buttered or non-stick sprayed 1 quart casserole.
4. Bake 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
5. Let sit about 5 minutes before serving.

This Italian style zucchini casserole is a nice substitute for spaghetti and serves 6.

Italian Zucchini Mozzarella Casserole

• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 cups thawed, shredded zucchini
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 6 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cup spaghetti sauce.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Drain any water that has accumulated on the zucchini and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add zucchini and onions stirring until onions are tender crisp. Remove from heat.
5. Add parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
6. In a large bowl combine eggs, cheese (saving a little for the top of the casserole) and sauce.
7. Combine well and add to zucchini mixture. Heat through.
8. Pour into a casserole that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
9. Sprinkle with saved cheese.
10. Bake 35 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

The next dish is a good substitute for Tuna Noodle Casserole. It also serves 6.

Zucchini Noodle Casserole

• 6 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
• ¾ cup onions, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup thawed shredded zucchini
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Drain any water that has accumulated on frozen zucchini and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. In a frying pan sauté onions until soft.
4. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add herbs and seasonings.
6. Add cottage cheese, half of the Parmesan, and the sour cream.
7. Gently fold in the noodles.
8. Place in baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray.
9. Sprinkle with rest of cheese.
10. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Potato pancakes are good, but zucchini pancakes are better. Serve with sour cream or applesauce on top as a side dish. You can add cheddar cheese if you would like. This recipe makes about 6 to 8 pancakes depending on the size you make them.

Zucchini Pancakes

• 2 cups thawed, shredded zucchini
• ¾ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped.

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. If the mixture is a little dry add a tablespoon of milk.
2. Place tablespoonful on an oiled griddle and flip when the underside is brown.

Enjoy these savory zucchini dishes and just wait until you see thesweet zucchini recipes you can make with homegrown zucchini.