Delight your taste buds with this Baked Zucchini, Spinach, & Feta Casserole, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. With a blend of tender zucchini, wilted spinach, and creamy feta cheese, it’s topped with a golden-brown crust of parmesan and whole-wheat panko.
INGREDIENTS- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for cooking the vegetables
- Baby Spinach: 3 cups, for added greens and nutrition
- Zucchini: 2, diced for texture
- Yellow Squash: 2 (or substitute with more zucchini), diced
- Fat-Free Feta Cheese: ¼ cup, crumbled for creaminess
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, for a cheesy topping
- Whole-Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs: ¼ cup, for a crunchy crust
- Egg Whites: 2, to bind the casserole
- Kosher Salt: ½ tsp, to taste
- Garlic Powder: 2 tsp, for added flavor
- Ground Black Pepper: ½ tsp, for seasoning
- Dried Basil Leaves: 1 tsp, for a hint of herbal aroma
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Step 2:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach, diced zucchini, and diced yellow squash. Cook until the spinach wilts and the squash softens. Drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with feta cheese, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg whites, salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and dried basil. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Step 6:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Substitute yellow squash with additional zucchini if preferred.
- For added crunch, sprinkle more panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Mia suggests adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chef Roberto recommends using fresh basil for a more aromatic touch.