Cheesy Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheesy Zucchini Gratin—a perfect way to enjoy the mild, tender flavors of zucchini, combined with a rich, creamy sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. It’s a great side dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table, especially during the summer when zucchinis are in season.

Cheesy Zucchini Gratin

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with olive oil and butter.
   • Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds or half-moons (depending on your preference). If you want to reduce the moisture in the zucchini, you can sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • To the onions and garlic, add the heavy cream, milk, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
4. Layer the Zucchini:
   • Arrange the zucchini slices in the greased baking dish in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly in an even layer. Pour the cheesy cream sauce evenly over the zucchini slices, making sure they are all covered.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the zucchini and sauce.
6. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the gratin from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: This cheesy zucchini gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
• Vegetarian Meal: It’s also hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish when served with a side of fresh bread or a green salad.
• Add-ins: You can mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a more hearty vegetable gratin.

Tips:

• Zucchini Slices: If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly sauté the zucchini slices in a little olive oil before layering them in the baking dish. This step helps remove some of the moisture and adds extra flavor.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can substitute it with Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorite cheeses. Adding Gruyère or fontina will give the dish a richer, more complex flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the gratin a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just cover it with foil and bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
• Lower Fat Option: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream and milk and skip the cheddar cheese in favor of a smaller amount of Parmesan or another lower-fat cheese.

Customizations:

• Herb Variations: Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary to the sauce for a different herbal flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
• Crusty Topping: For extra crunch, you can replace panko with crushed crackers or toasted nuts.

This Cheesy Zucchini Gratin is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese, savory herbs, and tender zucchini. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple vegetable side into something special, and it’s sure to be a hit at any meal! Enjoy!