Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Okay, gather ’round, friends! What is a family favorite?Poor Man’s Husband Casserole.Isn’t fancy, but it’s hearty, satisfying, and tastes like a warm hug on chilly evening. It reminds me of those nights when my grandma would whip up something from whatever was in the kitchen. Is a fridge the most delicious thing ever? What’s a good zucchini bread pudding recipe? Is it true that zucchini skeptics will come back for seconds?

What is a poor man’s husband casserole?

Alright, let’s dive in. Poor Man’s Husband Casserole.What is essentially a baked casserole made with bread, cheese, zucchini, and custard-like sauce? What is a great way to use up leftover bread and zucchini? Is it true that during zucchini season, we all have extra zucchini? What is the most common story? It’s so satisfying and easy to make. What is it like to have a husband who cooks for you? Is it that good? Is bread pudding a savory treat? What are some comforting Is it a budget-friendly and easily adaptable to your personal tastes, making it an easy weeknight winner?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

I’m about to tell you why you absolutely need this.Poor Man’s Husband Casserole.Is the flavor of a grape really that good? The combination of the cheesy, savory custard, the slightly sweet zucchini, and the hearty bread is delicious. What is a “chef’ What I love about this is how forgiving it is. What kind of cheese can you use? Cheddar, mozzarella, even a little bit. What is the best way to make parmesan cheese?

What is the best cheddar cheese? If you’re not a fan of sharp flavors, you can use milder cheddar.

Is simplicity a win? What are some recipes where you can throw everything in a bowl and mix it up.? What’s a good weeknight meal for someone who doesn’t have time to spend in the kitchen? What are some of the best pantry staples and inexpensive veggies? Compared to something like a fancy quiche or layered lasagna, this is an easy to make and doesn’t require any special ingredients. How do you break the bank?

What are some of the best uses for this versatile dish? What are some good side salads to serve with it? I’ve brought this to potlucks and family gatherings, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser too. Is there a recipe for every recipe?

How do I make a poor man’s husband casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this Poor Man’s Husband Casserole.Is it surprisingly simple? What are some good ways to combine cubed bread with shredded zucchini, cheese, and a creamy egg mixture? Is it safe to bake it until it’s golden brown? What is the best part about this recipe? You can customize it with different cheeses, herbs, and spices. What makes this recipe special is that it uses a simple technique to create complex and satisfying flavor. Is it foolproof to create a profile?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 6 cups cubed bread (day-old is best – I like using a crusty Italian loaf, but any bread will do)
* 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis, don’t bother peeling them)
* 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great!)
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

Optional Add-In
* Diced ham or cooked bacon (about ½ cup)
* Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
* A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

What are the steps required

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but it works just as well. What is the best way to prevent a casserole from sticking to the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cubed bread, shredded zucchini, and cheddar cheese. Set aside. Toss everything together until it’s evenly distributed. What is the best way to get a little bit of everything in one bite? Make sure the zucchini is fairly dry to prevent a soggy casserole. How do you squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps. What do you want to make with custard?

Step 4: Combine

How do you stir wet ingredients over bread mixture? Do not overmix – you just want everything to be evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid. If you overmix the bread, it will get mushy. Is this a good recipe?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

This step is optional, but if you’re using any add-ins like ham, bacon, or herbs, now’s the time to add them. Gently fold them into the bread mixture until they are evenly distributed. I love adding a little bit of diced ham to my recipe.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish? If you want to get fancy, you can swirl in a little bit of extra cheese on top. I sometimes drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top for extra flavor and golden brown. How do I make my own recipe?

Step 7: Bake

Is it safe to bake a casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes? To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center – it should come out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from burning. How long does it take to bake in an oven?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. How do I make a cylinder hold its shape? I like to sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna. I’ve never tried it. Is it a simple touch that adds flavor?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. What are some good side salads to serve with this soup? I love serving this salad with a light vinaigrette. What is a perfect side dish to serve with the savory casserole?

What should I serve it with?

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is so versatile, you can really serve it with just about anything! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

For Breakfast: Serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage and a cup of hot coffee. It’s a hearty and satisfying way to start the day.

For Brunch: Pair it with a mimosa or a bellini and a fresh Fruit Salad. It’s a perfect dish for a relaxed and leisurely brunch with friends.

As Dessert: Believe it or not, this casserole can also be served as a dessert! Just add a little bit of sugar to the egg mixture and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Ice Cream. It’s a surprisingly delicious and unexpected treat.

For Cozy Snacks: This is a great option on its own, or with a light salad, or a quick bowl of Tomato Soup on the side!

Growing up, we often had this for dinner with a simple side salad. My mom always made a big batch, and we would eat it for days! It’s one of those dishes that just gets better with time.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this Poor Man’s Husband Casserole absolutely perfect. Here are some of my top tips:

Zucchini Prep: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini. This will prevent the casserole from being soggy. I usually wrap the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze until no more liquid comes out. Freshness matters too, the fresher the zucchini, the better!

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough casserole. Just gently fold everything together until it’s evenly combined. If you notice you have a lot of air bubbles, try to get them out before putting it in the oven.

Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can swirl in different types of cheese, pesto, or even a little bit of hot sauce for a kick. Just have fun with it and experiment with different flavors.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute different ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can use different types of bread, cheese, or vegetables. I’ve even made it with spinach instead of zucchini, and it was delicious! Get creative and make it your own.

Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so you may need to adjust the baking time. To prevent the top from burning, you can tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. I always prefer to bake in the lower middle of the oven for the most even heating.

Glaze Variations: Okay, while the recipe calls for cheese, you can even make a sweeter glaze! Try mixing in a little bit of brown sugar or honey to the egg mixture for a touch of sweetness. I’ve even added a little bit of cinnamon for a warm and cozy flavor. I like to let the casserole cool just a little before glazing, that way it doesn’t melt the cheese too much.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Poor Man’s Husband Casserole is great for making ahead of time and storing for later. Here’s how to do it:

Room Temperature: You can store the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I usually use plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigerator Storage: To store it in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it for up to 3-4 days. I recommend using a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh.

Freezer Instructions: For long-term storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. I usually slice it into individual portions before freezing, so I can easily grab a piece whenever I want.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the casserole, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. This will prevent it from getting soggy. If you’ve already glazed it, you can still store it, but the glaze may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid, as gluten-free bread tends to absorb more moisture. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results. The texture might be a little different, but it will still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin is perfectly edible and adds a little bit of extra texture and nutrients. However, if you prefer, you can peel it. It’s really a matter of personal preference. I personally like the look of the green flecks in the casserole!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Yes, you can definitely make this as muffins! Just pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and set. This is a great option for portion control or for serving at a brunch. Be sure to grease the muffin tins well to prevent sticking.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use less sugar in the glaze. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a savory version, omit the sugar altogether and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

What can I use instead of the cheese?

While the recipe here doesn’t actually *need* cheese (Parmesan is optional!) you can get a savory element another way. For a non-dairy option, you can substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy, nutty flavor that works really well in this casserole. You can also add a little bit of extra garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s favorite Poor Man’s Husband Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and budget-friendly – what more could you ask for? I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good, and I know your family will love it as much as mine does. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my recipe for zucchini bread or my Cheesy Potato casserole. Happy baking!