Description

This Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole featuring tender zucchini slices layered with a creamy brie sauce and shredded Swiss Gruyere cheese blend. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or light main, boasting a golden bubbly cheese topping and a hint of Italian seasoning for added depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Layer

3 medium Zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 1/2 cups Shredded Swiss Gruyere cheese blend (or your favorite sharp shredded cheese), divided
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Brie Cheese Sauce

3 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and diced
1/3 cup Heavy Cream
1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
2 cloves Garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep Zucchini: Lightly sprinkle your zucchini slices with sea salt. Place them in a colander over the sink and let them sit for 45 minutes to drain excess water. This step prevents a watery casserole. After draining, gently pat the slices dry with a clean towel.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Layer the Casserole: In a medium baking dish, arrange the drained zucchini slices in neat, overlapping rows. Sprinkle some of the shredded cheese blend between layers as you go, using about half (3/4 cup) of the cheese until the dish is full. Finish by dusting the top lightly with black pepper.
Whip Up the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the diced brie, heavy cream, butter, and minced garlic. Heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the brie melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the zucchini layers in the baking dish.
Final Touches: Generously sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheese blend over the top of the casserole. Then dust with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dish is done when the zucchini is tender and the top layer of cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Notes

Salting the zucchini and allowing it to drain is essential to prevent excess moisture and a watery bake.
You can use any sharp shredded cheese blend you prefer instead of Swiss Gruyere for variation.
Remove the rind from the brie to ensure a smooth melted sauce without any bitter texture.
This bake makes a great side dish or a vegetarian main when paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 55 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: zucchini bake, cheesy zucchini casserole, brie cheese sauce, baked vegetable dish, cheesy vegetable bake, easy vegetarian casserole