Recipe Background
This zucchini-based casserole is light, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
The year I decided to ring in the New Year with more intention, my best friend and I impulsively signed up for a neighborhood Zumba class. After getting our groove on, we stumbled back to my place, ravenous and giggling. It seemed fitting to concoct something light yet satisfying. Eyeing the zucchinis in my fridge, an idea took shape—the New Year, New You Casserole. I always keep a box of heart-healthy baking mix in my pantry, perfect for spontaneous creations like this.
I recall us grating zucchini, chatting about our ambitious resolutions. Squeezing the zucchini dry with a towel not only kept the casserole from getting soggy but seemed symbolic of squeezing out the old year’s doubts. The combination of sharp parmesan and a hint of parsley made the kitchen smell divine as it baked. Using egg whites alongside a whole egg added a lightness that matched our mood, while a splash of olive oil brought it all together.
As we settled down to eat, the golden crust cracked beautifully under our forks, each bite rewarding our efforts. A new year deserved a new tradition, and this dish became ours—a reminder to take moments of joy from the simplest ingredients. Leaving my friend with leftovers sealed the deal on easy, make-ahead magic. Try spraying your pan generously; it ensures the casserole slices effortlessly, just perfect for sharing or saving a bite for later.
Ingredients
- 4 cups zucchini grated and squeezed dry with a towel after grating
- 1 1/4 cups heart-healthy baking mix
- 1/3 cup onion minced
- 3 large egg whites beaten
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the zucchini, the baking mix, the onion, the egg whites, the egg, the olive oil, the cheese, the salt, the pepper, and the parsley in a bowl.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the casserole until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden-brown, about 45-50 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
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