Zucchini Nachos: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

There’s something truly magical about taking a familiar, crowd-pleasing dish and reimagining it with humble, everyday ingredients. For me, zucchini has always been a bit of an unsung hero in the kitchen – versatile, readily available, and surprisingly adaptable. I remember a particular potluck years ago where a friend brought a layered zucchini bake that was so comforting, so unexpected, and so darn good. It wasn’t quite a casserole, not quite a gratin, but something entirely its own. It sparked an idea, a playful challenge to elevate zucchini beyond its usual side-dish status, and thus, these Zucchini Nachos were born. They capture that same comforting essence, but with a playful, crunchy, cheesy twist that always brings smiles to the table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 – 2 quart casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life:

• 4-5 cups zucchini, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili peppers (canned or chopped)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of celery soup (or your favorite creamy soup)
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Nacho Cheese flavor Doritos, crushed (or tortilla chips)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• 2-quart casserole dish or deep pie dish
• Saucepan
• Small bowl
• Foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfectly delightful Zucchini Nachos:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish or deep pie dish with cooking spray, like Pam, to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the zucchini. You’ll need enough sliced zucchini to generously fill your prepared dish, aiming for about 4 to 5 cups. Arrange the sliced zucchini evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. Sauté the onion. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes clear and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Once the onions are softened, transfer them on top of the sliced zucchini in the casserole dish.
4. Add the chili peppers. Next, scatter the 2 tablespoons of chili peppers evenly over the onions and zucchini.
5. Prepare the creamy topping. In a small bowl, combine the 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup with the 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
6. Spread the topping. Evenly spread this soup and cheese mixture over the layer of zucchini, onions, and chili peppers in the casserole dish.
7. First bake. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Place it in your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. This will allow the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Add the crunch. Remove the foil from the casserole dish. Sprinkle the 2 cups of coarsely crushed Doritos (or tortilla chips) evenly over the top of the baked mixture. Be mindful that the crushed Doritos will compress significantly, so the initial 2 cups will reduce in volume.
9. Final bake (uncovered). Return the uncovered dish to the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking. This brief period allows the Doritos to become wonderfully crisp and golden. Keep a close eye during this time to ensure the Doritos do not burn.
10. Rest and serve. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Zucchini Nachos from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period helps the dish set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being overly hot.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Zucchini Moisture Control: If your zucchini seems particularly watery, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture before layering them in the dish. Pat them dry gently with paper towels afterwards.
• Soup Savvy: While cream of celery soup is classic here, don’t hesitate to experiment! Cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or even a spicy cream of poblano soup can offer delightful variations. If using a condensed soup, ensure it’s a good quality one that provides a rich flavor base.
• Chip Choice: Doritos provide a distinctive flavor and texture, but if you prefer a more neutral crunch, crushed tortilla chips (plain or lightly salted) are an excellent alternative. For a gluten-free option, ensure your chosen chips are certified gluten-free.
• Uniform Crushing: For an even crisp topping, you can place your Doritos or tortilla chips in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This gives you more control over the coarseness.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can be finicky! If your oven tends to run hot, start checking the Zucchini Nachos a few minutes earlier during the covered baking stage. The uncovered topping stage is especially sensitive to burning, so a watchful eye is key.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Zucchini Nachos are best served warm, straight from the oven, for that irresistible crunch and gooey cheese. They make a fantastic appetizer or a lighter main course. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of your favorite salsa can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating can be done in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is re-crisped. Microwaving is an option, but it may soften the crunchy topping. For best results when reheating, consider adding fresh crushed chips or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	218.9 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	16.3 g	25%
Saturated Fat	9.4 g	47%
Cholesterol	46 mg	15%
Sodium	595 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	7.6 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	2.8 g	11%
Protein	11.6 g	23%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability!

• For a Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture, or use a spicier canned chili pepper like jalapeños.
• Meat Lovers: For a heartier main dish, you can stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken or seasoned ground beef into the soup and cheese mixture before spreading it over the zucchini.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn to the layers before adding the soup mixture.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: This is a bit more challenging to replicate perfectly, but you could try a vegan cream of celery soup, a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative, and perhaps a cashew cream base. Experimentation would be key here.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Zucchini Nachos ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the zucchini and sautéed onions and chili peppers ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure the best texture.

Q: My zucchini seems watery. What can I do?
A: Lightly salting the zucchini slices and letting them drain in a colander for about 20 minutes can help draw out excess moisture before you use them in the recipe.

Q: What kind of soup can I use instead of cream of celery?
A: Cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or even a can of mild salsa mixed with a bit of cream cheese could work well. Campbell’s also offers southwest-flavored cream soups that would be a fantastic alternative.

Q: How can I prevent the Doritos topping from burning?
A: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and keep a close watch during the final 5 minutes of baking. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil again.

Q: Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Finely chop your preferred fresh chili peppers (like jalapeños or serranos for heat, or milder bell peppers for flavor) and sauté them with the onions. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini Nachos recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is fun, perfect for a weeknight family meal or an impressive appetizer for guests. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with your favorite soup or chip combinations, and discover the delightful versatility of zucchini. Share it with loved ones, and I’m confident it will become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!