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Cheesy Zucchini Gratin – Zucchini Gratin is a luscious creamy cheesy combo of zucchini, Gruyere, parmesan, whole milk, garlic, and herbs. This baked zucchini casserole is quick and easy to prepare, making zucchini flavor shine in this rich side dish that accompanies any of your main course. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the cheesy zucchini gratin recipe
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for buttering pan)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, or mozzarella divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4- 5 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Baked zucchini gratin recipe
This amazing zucchini au gratin recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then it is in the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Rich and creamy, this zucchini recipe is an ideal side dish for any weeknight meal. Zucchini gratin (aka zucchini casserole) is just as satisfying as a potato casserole with half the carbs!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
How to make the cheesy zucchini gratin
Maybe the longest part of this simple zucchini casserole dish is slicing the zucchini! Now for tee fun part: cook garlic with butter, add flour to make a roux then stir in the milk to obtain a thick creamy mixture. Add cheese and mix until smooth. Layer the zucchini slices in the baking dish, alternating with the creamy mixture, cheese, and seasoning. Pop in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned on the edges.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the easy zucchini gratin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190ºC) and butter a medium baking dish. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook until flour is golden and starts to bubble, about 1 minute more. Add milk and stir until the mixture comes to a simmer. Boil until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
2. Turn off the heat and add 1 cup of Gruyère cheese and Parmesan to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until cheese has melted, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Add a layer of zucchini slices to the baking dish, slightly overlapping the zucchini slices. Season with salt and pepper and pour about one-third of the cream mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle some of the remaining Gruyère on top, then sprinkle thyme on top of the cheese.
4. Proceed with two more layers with remaining zucchini slices, cream mixture, cheese, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Bake the zucchini gratin in the oven until bubbly and golden on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with more thyme if you like and immediately serve the cheesy zucchini gratin. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the zucchini gratin recipe
- Make sure to slice the zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to mix zucchini with yellow squash to make the gratin more colorful!
- To deepen the flavor profile, you can add a pinch of nutmeg into the creamy mixture.
- Add breadcrumbs on top of the classic zucchini casserole for a crispier touch.
How long to cook zucchini gratin?
Cooking time for the zucchini gratin takes around 20 to 25 minutes, but this will depend on your oven and how thick you layer the zucchini slices together.
What cheese to use for zucchini gratin?
We like a mix of Gruyere and parmesan for this simple zucchini gratin recipe, but feel free to try with cheddar, provolone, and a mix.
How to keep the zucchini gratin leftovers?
You can keep any leftover baked zucchini gratin for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, or in the microwave.
More baked zucchini recipes
- Baked Zucchini and Cheese
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
- Roasted Zucchini Salad with Feta and Italian Dressing
- Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini & Tomatoes
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
