How to Make Zucchini Cornbread Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Drain the Zucchini
After shredding, place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key to avoiding a soggy casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Veggie Base
In a large bowl, combine:
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Drained zucchini
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Diced onion
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Half of the shredded cheese
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Corn
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Jalapeño
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Eggs
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Garlic powder
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Cumin
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Salt
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Black pepper
Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add the Corn Muffin Mix
Slowly fold in the corn muffin mix until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and loaded with texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until:
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The center is fully set
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The top is golden brown
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A toothpick inserted comes out clean
Let it cool slightly before slicing.
The smell when this comes out of the oven — cheesy, savory, lightly sweet — is absolutely irresistible.
What to Serve With It
This casserole works beautifully as either a side dish or a main.
As a Side:
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Grilled chicken
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BBQ ribs
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Chili
As a Main:
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Serve with a crisp green salad
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Add a dollop of sour cream
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Pair with sliced avocado
Tips for the Best Results
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Always drain zucchini thoroughly
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Don’t overmix once the muffin mix is added
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Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing
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Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
Storage Instructions
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
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Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until warmed through
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Can be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap tightly)
General Information
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Servings: 6–8
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
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Perfect For: Potlucks, BBQs, family dinners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh kernels work beautifully in this recipe.
Do I have to use jalapeño?
No — you can omit it for a milder flavor or substitute with green bell pepper.
Why is draining zucchini important?
Zucchini holds a lot of water. Removing excess moisture prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes — bake in a 9×13-inch dish and increase cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Cornbread Casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It takes classic cornbread and turns it into something hearty, cheesy, and packed with vegetables — all while staying simple and approachable.
