Description
Hearty French-inspired Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash blends garden-fresh vegetables with creamy cheese in a rustic side dish. Crisp golden breadcrumbs and melted gruyère create a mouthwatering comfort classic you’ll crave at every summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Herbs, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
- Add sliced zucchinis and yellow squash to the skillet, season with dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetables to the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Combine shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, then uniformly distribute the cheese mixture over the vegetable layer.
- Gently pour heavy cream across the cheese and vegetable surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to create a golden, crispy texture during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and develops a bubbling texture.
- Remove from oven and allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose tender, fresh zucchinis and yellow squash for the best texture and flavor in your gratin.
- Pat vegetables dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or milk for a lower-calorie version.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10-12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg