This creamy zucchini gratin is the perfect side dish for any meal, with tender zucchini slices layered in a rich, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan. It’s topped off with fragrant thyme and garnished with fresh parsley, making this dish both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up an abundance of zucchini or simply want a comfort food side dish with a twist, this gratin is the perfect choice. Let’s explore how to make this indulgent and easy-to-prepare zucchini gratin.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups half & half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the zucchini: Cut the zucchini into ¼-inch thick slices and place them in a colander. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over the zucchini, toss to coat evenly, and place the colander over a bowl to catch any excess liquid. Let the zucchini sit for 30 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out moisture. Rinse the zucchini under cold water, then dry thoroughly with paper towels. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until it turns golden and bubbly, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the half and half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer and cook for about 1 minute, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and all of the grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
- Layer the zucchini and cheese sauce: Arrange a layer of zucchini slices in the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping each other. Pour about one-third of the cheese sauce over the zucchini, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a portion of the remaining cheddar cheese over the sauce, followed by a light sprinkling of chopped thyme.
- Repeat the layers: Continue layering the zucchini slices, cheese sauce, cheddar, and thyme until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheddar cheese and thyme on top.
- Bake the gratin: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Let it cool: Once baked, remove the zucchini gratin from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Salting the zucchini: This step is important as it helps remove excess moisture from the zucchini, preventing the dish from becoming watery.
- Even slicing: Try to slice the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. A mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent slices.
- Cheese options: Feel free to swap the cheddar with another type of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Baking to golden perfection: If your gratin isn’t browning to your liking, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a beautifully golden, crispy top.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Low in calories: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, making this a lighter option for a rich, cheesy side dish.
- Rich in vitamins: Zucchini is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which are essential for immune function and heart health.
- Calcium and protein: The cheddar and Parmesan provide a good dose of calcium and protein, which are important for bone health and muscle repair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheddar and Parmesan in a creamy sauce makes this gratin a decadent and comforting dish.
- Great way to use zucchini: If you have a garden overflowing with zucchini, this recipe is a delicious way to make the most of it.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich cheese sauce and golden crust, this gratin is sure to be a hit at family dinners or gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare with common ingredients.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This gratin is completely vegetarian, making it suitable for those following a meat-free diet.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Cheese Sauce Base: The roux-based cheese sauce adds richness and helps the gratin hold together without becoming watery.
- Layering Method: Layering the zucchini with the cheese sauce ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and the zucchini remains tender without becoming soggy.
- Browning and Crisping: Baking the gratin until golden brown adds a crispy texture to the top, contrasting nicely with the tender zucchini inside.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Zucchini Gratin is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that combines tender zucchini with a rich cheese sauce, fragrant herbs, and a golden, crispy topping. It’s an easy, yet impressive dish that will delight both zucchini lovers and skeptics alike. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast or enjoying it as a comforting vegetarian main dish, this zucchini gratin is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a delicious blend of cheesy goodness and fresh garden flavors!