Hide the Zucchini Recipe
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Potluck, Summer, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 4.5
Review Count: 39
Calories: 230 per serving
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 9.6g
- Cholesterol: 87.8mg
- Sodium: 328.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 9.9g
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds zucchini
- 1 onion
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
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Prepare Zucchini and Onion:
- Cut the zucchini into chunks without peeling. Dice the onion (peel the onion first).
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Boil Zucchini and Onion:
- In a large pot, cover the zucchini and onion with water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash the zucchini, adding butter while it’s still hot to melt it.
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Mix Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of sharp cheddar cheese with the mashed zucchini and onion mixture. Add eggs, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and mix well. If the zucchini mixture is very hot, temper the eggs by mixing a small amount of it into the beaten eggs before adding them to the mixture.
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Bake:
- Butter an oblong baking pan (approximately 10 inches by 13 inches). Pour the mixture into the pan and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set. To check if it’s done, insert a knife blade near the center; it should come out clean.
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Serve:
- Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Hide the Zucchini casserole!
Recipe Description and Background:
Introduction:
“Hide the Zucchini” is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, originating from an era when our garden overflowed with zucchinis every summer. This dish was born out of necessity to creatively use up an abundance of this prolific vegetable, resulting in a dish so beloved, it garnered its own quirky name.
Family Anecdote:
Initially dubbed simply as “Zucchini Casserole,” the recipe earned its more intriguing title from a family member’s clever suggestion. Despite its unassuming origins, this dish has become legendary within our family and community circles, often making appearances at potlucks, family reunions, and picnics. Its popularity was such that it was guaranteed to disappear quickly, leaving no leftovers behind.
Zucchini Abundance:
Our family garden was meticulously tended by Dad, who annually planted zucchini with such enthusiasm that we found ourselves inundated with this versatile vegetable. While we never resorted to selling them, giving them away became a recurring challenge. Many recipients, unsure of what to do with their bounty, were grateful for Mom’s repertoire of zucchini recipes, with “Hide the Zucchini” being a standout favorite.
Cooking Mishaps and Laughter:
As with any recipe passed through generations, there have been humorous moments along the way. One memorable mishap involved our neighbor Ellen, who attempted the recipe without realizing the zucchini needed boiling first. Her confusion over the result sparked laughter and cemented the recipe’s place in our family lore.
Recipe Tips:
For optimal flavor, we recommend using sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, as mild cheddar can result in a less flavorful outcome. The texture of the dish is intended to be akin to a vegetable custard, with a satisfyingly hearty consistency that pairs well with its cheesy goodness.
Conclusion:
Whether faced with a surplus of zucchini from your own garden or a generous gift from a friend, “Hide the Zucchini” is your answer to turning this humble vegetable into a delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Embrace its simplicity and the joy it brings to every table it graces.
