Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, about 1 pound, sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, about 1 pound, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or similar baking dish.
- Place the sliced zucchini and yellow squash in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Toss gently and let drain for about 15 minutes.
- Pat the zucchini and squash thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
- Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange half of the zucchini and squash in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add the remaining zucchini and squash, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain the vegetables: Salting the zucchini and yellow squash for about 15 minutes helps draw out excess moisture and prevents a watery casserole.
Slice evenly: Cut the zucchini and squash into similar-sized slices so they cook at the same rate.
Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts especially well. Parmesan adds a savory flavor to the topping.
Panko: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
Make ahead: Slice and drain the vegetables ahead of time, but assemble the casserole shortly before baking for the best texture.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat uncovered in the oven or air fryer when possible to help restore the crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American