Alice’s Zucchini Cheese Casserole is a delightful dish made with zucchini and cheese, typically baked to perfection. While there isn’t a widely known historical background for this specific casserole, it’s a popular homemade recipe enjoyed by many. Let’s break down its components, preparation steps, and estimated cooking time for you:
Components:
- Zucchini: You’ll need around 4-5 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Cheese: The main cheese used in this casserole is usually shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. You’ll need approximately 2 cups.
- Onion: One medium-sized onion, finely chopped.
- Eggs: Two large eggs, beaten.
- Milk: 1/2 cup of milk.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Butter: A few tablespoons of butter for sautéing and greasing the casserole dish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer, like thyme or oregano.
Preparation Steps:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Sauté Zucchini: In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced zucchini. Sauté until they become tender and slightly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Layer Zucchini and Cheese: In a greased baking dish, start by layering half of the sautéed zucchini and onions. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over this layer. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and cheese.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the zucchini and cheese layers.
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Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top to create a crispy crust. You can also dot the top with small pieces of butter for added richness.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the casserole is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
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Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before serving. It can be served as a side dish or a main course.
Cooking Time: The total time required to prepare and bake Alice’s Zucchini Cheese Casserole is roughly 45-50 minutes.
Enjoy this delicious and cheesy zucchini casserole! It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Alice’s Zucchini Cheese Casserole (per serving):
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 15-18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-18 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 12-15 grams
- Vitamin C: 20-25% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 25-30% DV
Health Information:
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Rich in Vegetables: Alice’s Zucchini Cheese Casserole is packed with zucchini, a nutritious vegetable that provides vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
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Protein: This casserole contains a moderate amount of protein from cheese and eggs, which helps with muscle maintenance and repair.
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Calcium: The cheese used in the casserole is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
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Moderate Calories: It is moderately calorie-dense, making it suitable as a main course or side dish, depending on your dietary needs.
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Fiber: The zucchini and breadcrumbs provide some dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
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Watch Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need to limit salt intake.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount of cheese used. You can also opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
Remember that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on the products you use and adjust the recipe to meet your dietary preferences and requirements.
