Zucchini Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish bursting with flavor, this Zucchini Cornbread Casserole is it! Soft, moist cornbread meets fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and gooey cheese in a deliciously simple bake that goes perfectly with any weeknight dinner or holiday meal.


🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist & Flavorful: Zucchini keeps the cornbread tender, while cheese and spices add richness.
  • Easy Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus fresh zucchini.
  • Versatile: Works as a side for barbecue, roasted meats, or a vegetarian main.
  • Kid-Friendly: Sweet cornbread and cheesy goodness make it irresistible.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 cup zucchini, grated and squeezed of excess moisture
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

🔪 How to Make Zucchini Cornbread Casserole

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Fold in grated zucchini, corn, and cheese.
  5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish and bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool & Serve: Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

👨‍🍳 Tips for Perfect Zucchini Cornbread Casserole

  • Squeeze Zucchini: Removing excess water prevents soggy cornbread.
  • Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes.
  • Cheese Options: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
  • Make Ahead: Bake the day before and reheat covered at 300°F until warmed through.

🍴 What to Serve with Zucchini Cornbread Casserole

  • Smoked pulled pork
  • BBQ chicken or ribs
  • Chili or hearty soups
  • Fresh green salads

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Print
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Baked zucchini cornbread casserole with golden crust in baking dish

Zucchini Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side


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  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Zucchini Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup zucchini, grated and squeezed dry

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp smoked paprika


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.

3. In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined. Fold in zucchini, corn, and cheese.

5. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

6. Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

Squeeze zucchini well to avoid soggy cornbread.

Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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