Zucchini Cornbread Casserole – Cheesy, Golden & Packed with Summer Flavor
Introduction
I love recipes that surprise people — the ones that look simple at first glance but completely wow you with flavor. And I have to say, I’m so grateful you’re here exploring these cozy, creative dishes with me.
This Zucchini Cornbread Casserole is everything I adore about comfort food with a fresh twist. It’s cheesy, golden on top, tender in the center, and loaded with summer veggies. If you’re a cornbread lover but want something heartier and more satisfying, this one absolutely delivers.
The best part? That beautiful golden crust hiding layers of zucchini, sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and just enough jalapeño heat to keep things interesting.
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Overview of the Recipe
This casserole takes classic cornbread and transforms it into a savory, cheesy, vegetable-loaded bake. With 3½ cups of shredded zucchini folded into the batter, it stays incredibly moist while adding both texture and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Packed with fresh zucchini
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Cheesy and satisfying
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Easy to prepare
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Perfect for summer gatherings
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Works as a side or main dish
What It Tastes Like
Think classic cornbread — slightly sweet, tender, and crumbly — but upgraded. The zucchini melts into the batter, keeping it moist. The corn adds pops of sweetness. The jalapeño brings gentle warmth. And the cheddar? It creates a rich, savory depth and that irresistible golden top.
Every bite is soft, cheesy, and just a little zesty.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Sneaks in plenty of vegetables
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Great way to use garden zucchini
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Budget-friendly ingredients
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Feeds a crowd
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Leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
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3½ cups shredded zucchini, well drained
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1 white onion, diced
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16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 cup frozen corn, thawed
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1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 (8.5 oz) box corn muffin mix
Necessary Tools
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Large mixing bowl
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8×8-inch baking dish
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Box grater (for zucchini)
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Clean kitchen towel (for draining zucchini)
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Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
This casserole is wonderfully flexible and easy to customize.
Make It Spicier
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Leave jalapeño seeds in
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Add a pinch of cayenne
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Stir in diced green chilies
Switch Up the Cheese
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Pepper Jack for extra kick
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Colby Jack for a milder flavor
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Sharp white cheddar for bold richness
Add Protein
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Cooked crumbled bacon
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Diced ham
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Shredded rotisserie chicken

