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Cheesy baked zucchini gratin served in a baking dish with golden cheese on top.
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Cheesy Baked Zucchini Gratin

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Baked Zucchini Gratin, a comforting dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini layered with a creamy sauce and topped with a golden crust of melted cheese.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Baked Dish, Cheesy Gratin, comfort food, Vegetable Dish, Zucchini Gratin
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Zucchini Preparation

  • 4 medium medium zucchinis, thinly sliced Fresh and tender, with a slight crunch.
  • 1 tsp salt (for draining) Draws out moisture to maintain tenderness.

Cream Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil Adds richness to the gratin.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Lends depth and flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses flavor into the dish.
  • 200 ml heavy cream Base for the creamy sauce.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Adds tanginess.
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg Enhances the comforting feel.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella Provides melty texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Adds nutty crunch.
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar For rich flavor.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives Adds color and freshness.
  • Extra as needed Parmesan for top (optional) For additional cheesiness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Lay the thin slices of zucchini on a tray and sprinkle them with salt. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • Pat the slices dry with paper towels, discarding any excess moisture.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Create the Cream Sauce

  • Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for a moment.

Layer the Gratin

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish. Layer zucchini slices, covering with creamy sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère or cheddar. Repeat layers and finish with cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection

  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Finish and Serve

  • Let the gratin cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

Respecting the drain time for the zucchini is crucial to avoid a watery dish. Use fresh, quality cheeses for the best texture. Keep an eye on the gratin as it nears the end of baking.