Baked Zucchini and Cheese Recipe

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.

Place the zucchini slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, toss, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to release excess water.

Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then remove the skillet from the heat.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

Add the milk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Whisk until no lumps remain.

Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until a thick, cheesy mixture forms.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Spread the cooked onions and garlic evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Arrange the zucchini slices on top in slightly overlapping rows, like shingles on a roof.

Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini, tilting the dish slightly so it settles into all the gaps.

Tap the dish gently on the counter to remove any air pockets.

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil or melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Check that the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.

Let the baked zucchini and cheese rest for about 10 minutes before scooping or slicing so it holds together.