Irresistible Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

I was just about to tell you about one of my absolute favorite summer dishes, the kind that makes everyone around the table sigh with contentment. You know those recipes that just feel like home? For me, that’s definitely my Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but oh, is it ever delicious.

I can still picture the first time I made it, years and years ago, when the garden was overflowing with zucchini, as it always does this time of year. I was a young mom then, a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of green squash appearing on the counter, and honestly, a little tired of the same old sautéed zucchini. I needed something new, something comforting, something that would disappear off the plates without a fuss.

That’s when I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe card, tucked away in my grandmother’s old recipe box – a true gem! It was for a simple cheesy zucchini bake, but it called for a buttery cracker topping. The minute I tasted the first spoonful, warm and bubbly from the oven, with that golden, crunchy topping giving way to tender zucchini and gooey cheddar, I knew I’d found a winner.

This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole quickly became a staple in our home, the kind of dish everyone asks for, especially during those warm months when zucchini is plentiful. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight because it comes together so quickly, but it also feels special enough for a Sunday supper. There’s something about the way the salty, buttery Ritz crackers mingle with the mild sweetness of the zucchini and the sharp tang of the cheddar that just sings.

It was an “aha!” moment, truly, realizing that a simple cracker could transform a humble vegetable side dish into something spectacular. Every time I prepare this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, the smell of melted butter and toasted crackers fills the kitchen, bringing back so many happy memories. It’s been a lifesaver on countless occasions when I needed a reliable, family-friendly vegetable side dish.

So, if your garden is bursting, or if you just see some lovely zucchini at the market, you absolutely have to give this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole a try. I promise, it’s going to become one of your go-to summer squash recipes too!

INGREDIENTS:

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for this amazing Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You probably have most of these on hand already! This isn’t a casserole that calls for obscure spices or specialty cheeses, which is just another reason it’s become such a workhorse in my kitchen.

When I’m planning my grocery list, I always try to remember to grab extra zucchini, because once you make this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, you’ll want to make it again, and again!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole:

• 4-5 medium zucchini (about 6 cups sliced) – Look for firm, bright green zucchini. I always use fresh from the garden if I can, or from the farmer’s market. They have the best flavor for this summer squash recipe.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – A sweet yellow onion really brings out the best in the zucchini.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided – We’ll be using this for cooking the veggies and for that glorious cracker topping.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – This is where the magic happens! For my Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, I always use good quality sharp cheddar, and I always, always shred it myself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it melt a little weird in a cheesy zucchini bake. Trust me on this, it makes a difference!
• 1/2 cup milk – Any kind works, whole milk gives it a richer flavor, but whatever you have on hand is fine.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten – This helps bind the casserole together.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed – This is the star of the cracker topping casserole! You could use other butter crackers, but for a true Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, it has to be Ritz.
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish – Just for a little pop of color and freshness if you’re feeling fancy.

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When making Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, you can find the zucchini and onion easily at any grocery store, especially during the summer. For cost-saving tips, buy zucchini when it’s in season; it’s much cheaper and tastes better. If you have extra zucchini, remember you can always slice it and freeze it for later, though for this particular Southern zucchini casserole, fresh is truly best.

Here’s a Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole trick I learned from my mom: if your zucchini seems extra watery, after slicing it, you can lay it out on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt for about 15-20 minutes, then blot dry. This draws out some of the excess moisture, making your casserole less watery. It’s a small step but can make a big difference, especially if you’re using larger, older zucchini.

And for busy families, don’t feel bad about buying pre-chopped onion if you’re really pressed for time – it’s all about making cooking work for you. As for storing leftover ingredients, any extra cheese should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated, and the crackers will keep in their box in the pantry for a while. This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is designed to be simple and accessible!

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole! Don’t worry if you’re new to casseroles, or even if you’ve had a few kitchen mishaps in the past (we’ve all been there, trust me!). This Southern zucchini casserole is incredibly forgiving, and I’m going to walk you through it just like we’re cooking side-by-side in my kitchen.

1. Prep Your Oven and Dish:

   First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you don’t have that size, a similar-sized oval or rectangular dish will work just fine for your Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. Lightly grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze, and nobody likes scrubbing baked-on cheese!

2. Sauté the Veggies:

   Now, let’s get those vegetables ready. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter (that’s half of the stick) in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add your chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent. You don’t want it to brown, just get nice and tender. Then, toss in your sliced zucchini.

   Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has a little bite to it. You don’t want it mushy yet, because it’s going to cook more in the oven. I learned the hard way with Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole that overcooking the zucchini at this stage can lead to a watery casserole, and nobody wants that! We’re just trying to get some of the initial moisture out and start the cooking process for this summer squash recipe.

3. Mix the Filling:

   Take your skillet off the heat. Now, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (save the other 1/2 cup for the topping!). Add the milk, the lightly beaten egg, the salt, and the pepper. Give it all a good stir until everything is well combined and the cheese starts to melt slightly into the warm mixture. This cheesy zucchini bake filling should look rich and creamy. This is the heart of your Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   Pour the zucchini and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so it’s a nice, consistent layer. While the Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole filling is resting in the dish, you can start on the topping.

5. Prepare the Cracker Topping:

   This is my favorite part! In a medium bowl, crush your 1 1/2 sleeves of Ritz crackers. You can do this by hand, or if you’re feeling fancy (or just want to get some aggression out!), put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just don’t make them into a fine powder; you want some texture here for that perfect cracker topping casserole feel.

   Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then pour it over the crushed crackers. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cracker mixture. Stir it all together until the crackers are evenly coated with butter and cheese. This buttery, cheesy crumble is what gives this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole its irresistible crunch.

6. Top and Bake:

   Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the zucchini filling in the baking dish. Make sure it’s spread from edge to edge so every bite gets some of that delicious crunch. Carefully place your Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole into the preheated oven.

   In my kitchen, Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole usually takes about 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen should smell absolutely divine right about now – that warm, buttery, cheesy aroma is unmistakable!

7. Rest and Serve:

   Once it’s beautifully golden, take the Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole out of the oven. This is important: let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and preventing it from being too runny. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! If you wish, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a bit of fresh color. This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is now ready for your hungry family.

SERVING:

This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is truly one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. In our house, the kids love our Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole when I pair it with something simple like grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin. It’s comforting, cheesy, and just plain delicious. It really is the star of the show when it comes to vegetable side dish recipes. I find it’s so versatile and goes with almost anything.

When it comes to go-to side dishes that pair well with this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, I often lean into classic comfort food pairings. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea – it provides a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the cheesy zucchini bake. For something a bit heartier, especially if it’s a cooler evening, fluffy mashed potatoes or even some rice absorb all those lovely flavors.

If you’re like me and always looking for ways to use up garden produce, this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is perfect alongside corn on the cob or a fresh tomato salad. It’s a staple on our summer barbecue menu, as it’s so easy to make ahead and just pop in the oven when guests arrive. This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings (yes, it even makes an appearance at our Thanksgiving table instead of the usual green bean casserole sometimes!).

For presentation tips, when it’s out of the oven, that golden-brown cracker topping casserole is usually beautiful enough on its own. But if you want to add a little flair, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley really brightens it up. Just a little pop of green makes it look even more inviting.

Now, let’s talk about leftovers! If you have extra Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), it reheats beautifully. I usually just pop a serving in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it up in a toaster oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through and the topping gets a little crisp again. It’s also fantastic cold, straight from the fridge, though I might be alone on that one – a true confession of a busy mom! For a fun twist, I’ve even tried cutting leftover slices into smaller squares and serving them as appetizers at a casual get-together, sometimes with a little dollop of sour cream.

As for seasonal variations, while this is definitely a summer squash recipe, you can absolutely adapt it. In the fall, I’ve added a touch of smoked paprika or even some crumbled cooked bacon into the filling for a heartier feel. My friends always ask for this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole recipe whenever I bring it to a potluck. One time, a guest even mistook it for a classic macaroni and cheese from afar because of its golden, bubbly top and creamy texture! It just goes to show how universally appealing this simple vegetable side dish can be.

FAQs:

I get so many questions about this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, which tells me just how much everyone loves it! It’s really wonderful to hear from you all when you try my recipes, so I’ve gathered some of the most common things people ask me about this beloved cheesy zucchini bake.

Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

A: Absolutely, you can! This is technically a summer squash recipe, so yellow squash works perfectly. In fact, sometimes I’ll do a mix of both for different colors. The flavor profile will be very similar, and the texture will be just as wonderful. I’ve made this Southern zucchini casserole with all yellow squash when that’s what I had overflowing in the garden, and it was just as delicious. It’s all about using what’s fresh and available!

Q: My casserole turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

A: Oh, friend, you are not alone! This is probably the most common question I get about Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. Zucchini holds a lot of water. My biggest tip here, which I mentioned earlier, is to pre-salt your sliced zucchini and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, blot it really well with paper towels before you sauté it. This draws out a lot of that excess moisture.

Also, make sure you cook the zucchini until it’s tender in the skillet before adding it to the casserole – this helps cook off some water too. You know what I do when my Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole feels a little watery? I pop it back in for 5-10 extra minutes uncovered, sometimes even under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the topping again. It usually works wonders!

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! You can assemble the entire Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole (without the cracker topping) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the cracker topping just before putting it in the oven. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to make sure it heats through properly. I’ve done this many times for parties, and it saves so much stress on the day of. Just make sure the cracker topping doesn’t get soggy. That’s the key to a perfect cracker topping casserole.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole?

A: For this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, sharp cheddar is my go-to because it gives the best flavor punch against the mild zucchini. However, you can absolutely experiment! I’ve tried it with a mix of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, meltier version. Some people love a little Parmesan mixed in for extra saltiness. The family preferences in our house lean heavily towards sharp cheddar, but I had one reader tell me they used a smoked gouda once, and it was apparently divine! So, don’t be afraid to try what you like.

Q: Can I add meat or other vegetables to this casserole?

A: You sure can! This Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is a fantastic base for all sorts of additions. Cooked ground sausage or crumbled bacon would be delicious stirred into the zucchini mixture for a heartier meal. For other veggies, cooked bell peppers or corn would be tasty additions. Just be sure to pre-cook any additions that need it, so they don’t add too much extra moisture to your vegetable side dish. My kids prefer it as a simple Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole with just the zucchini, but I’ve added diced ham before when I needed to use it up, and it was quite good!

Q: What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

A: While the Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole really shines with Ritz crackers due to their buttery flavor and perfect crunch, you can certainly substitute. Other buttery crackers like Club crackers would work well. Even saltine crackers in a pinch, though they aren’t as buttery. Just be sure to crush them and mix them with melted butter to get that signature buttery crunch. The topping is really what makes this particular cracker topping casserole so special, so pick something that gets nice and golden.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Once cooled, store any leftover Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for the best results and to get that topping crispy again, I recommend reheating it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crunchy. My family will argue over who gets the last piece of this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole, even the leftovers!

My Final Thoughts:

Oh, this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole holds such a special place in my heart, truly. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of summer, a memory of abundant garden harvests, and countless happy family dinners. It’s the kind of comforting food that makes you feel hugged from the inside out, and it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical.

For me, the beauty of this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is in its humble beginnings and its incredible ability to please every palate. It’s seen us through backyard barbecues, quiet weeknights, and even holiday gatherings when we’re craving a taste of sunshine.

Here are a few of My Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole Pro Tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Don’t Skimp on the Butter for the Topping: That buttery cracker topping is key! It’s what makes the Ritz crackers shine and gives that incredible golden crunch. Don’t be afraid to really coat those crushed crackers. It’s the “Ritz” in Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole that makes it famous!
• Taste as You Go (Especially the Zucchini Mix): Before you pour it into the baking dish, take a tiny taste of your zucchini and cheese mixture. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? This is your chance to adjust. It’s hard to fix once it’s baked!
• Let it Rest: As tempting as it is to dig in right out of the oven, giving your Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole 5-10 minutes to rest makes a huge difference in how it sets up. It means cleaner scoops and a better eating experience.

I’ve played around with a few Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole variations over time, just to keep things interesting. One version I love is adding a pinch of dried dill or a bit of fresh thyme to the zucchini mixture – it adds another layer of herbaceous flavor that’s really lovely. Another time, when I wanted a richer, almost smoky flavor for this cheesy zucchini bake, I added a tiny bit of smoked paprika to the cheese and zucchini mixture, and that was a hit, especially with the adults!

For a slightly different texture, I’ve swapped out half the cheddar for a milder Monterey Jack cheese, which made it even meltier and smoother. My oldest always prefers the classic Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole because he’s a creature of habit, but my youngest loves it when I add the dill. It’s fun to see how even a small tweak can create a new favorite.

I truly hope you give this Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole a try in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s been cherished in our family for years, and I just know it’ll become a beloved part of your family’s meal rotation too. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, add your favorite spices, or try a different cheese. Cooking should be fun, comforting, and a little bit adventurous! Enjoy every warm, cheesy, crunchy bite of this incredible Ritz Cracker Zucchini Cheddar Casserole. Happy cooking, my dear friend!

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