Right, let me tell you about the absolute star of our summer dinners: Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver when the garden is bursting with zucchini, and everyone is looking for something a little bit different. It started as a way to use up all those extra zucchini from our neighbor’s garden, and it quickly turned into a family tradition. I remember the first time I made it, my youngest declared she hated zucchini (as kids do!), but she devoured two helpings of this casserole without even realizing it was the main ingredient!
It’s funny, isn’t it? How something so simple can become such a beloved part of your family’s food memories. We’ve tweaked it over the years, of course. Sometimes, I add a little bit of garlic powder for extra flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The beauty of this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can really make it your own.
I know, I know, zucchini casseroles can sometimes be a bit…bland. But not this one. The Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole has this amazing combination of textures and flavors. The zucchini is tender and slightly sweet, the cheddar cheese is sharp and melty, and the Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect salty, buttery crunch. It’s seriously irresistible. Even picky eaters can’t resist the crispy topping!
Honestly, this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. It takes minimal effort to prepare, and it’s a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables without complaint. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly – which is always a win in my book! I’ve also brought this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole to potlucks, and it’s always a hit. It’s the kind of dish that everyone asks for the recipe for.
I get it. We all have those recipes that seem intimidating, or we’re just plain scared to try. But trust me on this one, you can’t go wrong with this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole recipe. I believe in you! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new family favorite on your hands. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole:
- 4 cups zucchini, shredded: I usually use about 2 medium-sized zucchini. Make sure you shred it with the large holes on your grater. You don’t want it to be too mushy. Sometimes I like to use yellow summer squash along with the zucchini for a colorful variation.
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped: A yellow onion adds a lovely savory flavor. You can substitute with a white onion if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can reduce the amount to ½ cup or omit it altogether.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: I prefer sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack would also be delicious! I buy blocks of cheese and shred them myself because they melt better and don’t have added cellulose.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and helps bind the casserole together. I use salted butter, but unsalted works too, just add a pinch of salt to the zucchini mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds a creamy tanginess to the casserole. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but it will be a bit tangier.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that little bit of flavor that everyone enjoys!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: This is the magic ingredient that makes this casserole so addictive. I crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into crumbs.
I often double this recipe when I’m feeding a crowd, and it works perfectly! And if I’m short on time, I’ll sometimes buy pre-shredded cheese to save a few minutes. One trick I’ve learned is to buy the zucchini when it’s in season (usually summer) because it’s much cheaper then. The Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is a great way to save on money because it’s so affordable to make!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole recipe is a keeper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter to grease the dish, but cooking spray works just as well. This helps to ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, chopped onion, cheddar cheese, melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. I usually use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together.
- Pour the zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. You want to make sure that the mixture is distributed evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
- Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the zucchini mixture. You want to make sure that the entire surface of the casserole is covered with the Ritz cracker topping. This is what gives it that delicious, crunchy texture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and the zucchini mixture is set. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), just to be sure! I always reference the Food Safety.gov – Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures chart.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to set up a bit.
A few tips I’ve learned over the years: Don’t skip the step of greasing the baking dish. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when it comes to serving time. Also, if you find that the Ritz cracker topping is browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. One time I forgot to add the sour cream and the mixture ended up being too dry, so don’t forget that!
My family absolutely loves this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, and I know yours will too. My husband loves the savory crunch, and my kids love that it is packed with cheese and butter. It’s so easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that extra zucchini from the garden. You will have a Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole that is delicious and everyone will enjoy!
Leftovers (if there are any!) are great reheated in the microwave or oven. You can also add them to omelets or frittatas for a delicious breakfast.
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made this amazing Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, let’s talk about how to serve it!
At our house, we usually serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs really well with roasted pork or beef. Sometimes, I’ll even serve it as a light vegetarian main course with a side salad. It’s incredibly versatile!
Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little bit of fresh parsley or chives over the top of the casserole before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
I usually make this casserole for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. It’s always a hit, no matter the occasion. My family loves that this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole recipe can be customized in so many ways!
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also use the leftovers to make zucchini fritters. Just mix the casserole with some flour and eggs, and then fry them in a skillet until golden brown. I would recommend checking out National Center for Home Food Preservation – Storing Fresh Vegetables for more information.
Portion sizes depend on how hungry everyone is, of course! But I usually estimate about 1 cup per person when serving it as a side dish. My family usually ends up going back for seconds! My son says that the Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is his favorite part of dinner.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole:
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the casserole. Otherwise, the casserole may be too watery. I always try to use fresh zucchini when possible because it has a better texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen zucchini you may want to add breadcrumbs to help soak up any extra moisture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers with something else?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can substitute them with other types of crackers, such as saltines or graham crackers. You can also use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. However, the Ritz crackers add a unique buttery flavor and texture that really makes this casserole special.
Is this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this casserole is vegetarian as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly cheese. Most cheddar cheeses are vegetarian, but it’s always a good idea to check the label to make sure.
Can I make this casserole low-sodium?
Yes, you can make this casserole low-sodium by using low-sodium cheese and crackers. You can also reduce or omit the salt in the zucchini mixture.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great way to use up other vegetables that you have on hand. You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to the zucchini mixture. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so that they cook evenly. I like to add extra cheese on top of my Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole for extra flavor.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will add a similar tang and creaminess. I’ve used it many times when I’ve run out of sour cream.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Of course! While cheddar is classic, you can easily swap it for Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. Using different cheeses will result in a Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole that is perfect for your personal tastes!
I messed up! What if my casserole is too watery?
Don’t panic! If your casserole is too watery, you can try draining off some of the excess liquid before baking. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch to the zucchini mixture to help absorb the moisture.
Conclusion
This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a piece of our family’s story. It represents simple pleasures, resourceful cooking, and the joy of sharing a meal together. It’s amazing how food can bring people together.
Before you rush off to the kitchen, here are a few quick tips to remember:
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: You want it to be tender but not mushy.
- Use high-quality cheese: It makes a big difference in the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your own favorite vegetables or spices to customize the casserole to your liking.
We’ve even tried variations with different cheeses (pepper jack adds a nice kick!) and sometimes add a layer of sliced tomatoes for extra freshness. The possibilities are endless. You can even top your Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole with a drizzle of olive oil when it’s done for extra flavor!
I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. If you like this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, you may like to try my Cheddar Zucchini Bread or Zucchini Rice Casserole!
Happy cooking, friends! I know you’re going to create your own delicious memories with this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole.
Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole
This easy Ritz cracker zucchini cheddar casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish or light meal. Tender zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese are topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
- Pour the zucchini mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the zucchini mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini mixture.