If you like zucchini, you’ll love this easy, cheesy and flavorful recipe. This one of my favorite way to eat zucchini along with stuffed zucchini boats, zucchini lasagna and parmesan zucchini.
Zucchini Gratin Ingredients
To make this zucchini gratin make sure you have butter, flour, zucchini, onion, cream, dried thyme, milk, cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper. This gratin pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breast, baked chicken wings and grilled flank steak. Make a complete meal with these dishes or pick your favorite protein from my delicious dinner recipes!
How Do You Make Zucchini Gratin?
To make zucchini gratin the first step is to sauté zucchini and onions in butter until tender. Make the sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Add to the mixture milk, cream and seasonings and cook the sauce until it thickens. Layer the cooked zucchini, sauce and shredded cheese in a baking dish. On top of the dish add more sauce and a sprinkling of seasoned breadcrumbs before the gratin goes into the oven. Bake the gratin. Sprinkle a little parsley on top then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
When you sauté your zucchini, be careful not to overcook it. You want the squash just tender, not soft. It will continue to cook in the oven. If you overcook it, the zucchini will be mushy when it comes out of the oven. Skip the pre-shredded bags of cheese. They tend to have anti-caking agents and the cheese does not melt as well. This recipe includes sauteed zucchini because of its fantastic flavor. However, you could also steam, roast or grill your squash before adding it to the baking dish. This dish will stay good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Flavor Variations
While this dish is creamy and delicious, you can modify it to add your favorite flavors.
Cheese: I often use Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese here, but other great options are cheddar cheese or fontina cheese. Squash: Feel free to make this dish with thin sliced chayote squash, patty pan squash, yellow squash or other summer squash. Casserole: You can make a casserole version of this dish with this zucchini casserole recipe. Topping: Try other crispy toppings like panko bread crumbs, crushed buttery crackers or crushed cornflakes. Protein: Serve this dish as a main course by adding diced cooked chicken, diced cooked ham or cooked bacon bits to the dish. Garlic: When the zucchini slices and onions are just about done, stir in a teaspoon of crushed garlic and cook it for 30 seconds.
I love to serve this zucchini gratin as a side dish to grilled meats and seafood. Try it alongside a roasted chicken or baked salmon for an easy yet satisfying meal. You’ll never look at zucchini the same way again!
