Zucchini Gratin

This zucchini gratin is layers of tender sauteed zucchini and cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and baked to perfection. A simple yet elegant side dish!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 366kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter divided use
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 pounds zucchini cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 cup onion diced
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
cooking spray

Instructions

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Add the zucchini and onion to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the zucchini mixture from the pan and place in a bowl. Cover to keep warm.
Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Add the flour and whisk to combine.
Cook the flour mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Whisk in the milk and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the cream, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the sauce for an additional 2 minutes or until just thickened.
Coat a 6 cup baking dish with cooking spray.
Place 1/4 of the sauce in the bottom of the pan.
Add 1/3 of the zucchini mixture.
Top the zucchini mixture with 1/4 of the sauce and 1/3 of the cheese.
Continue layering the zucchini, sauce and cheese.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the final layer.
Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

When you sauté your zucchini, be careful not to overcook it. You want the zucchini just tender, not soft.

Skip the pre-shredded bags of cheese. They tend to have anti-caking agents and the cheese does not melt as well.

I prefer cooking up fresh zucchini. However, if you use frozen zucchini be sure to thaw it first and remove any excess water.

Nutrition