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Cheesy baked zucchini gratin with layers of melted cheese and fresh zucchini.
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Cheesy Baked Zucchini Gratin

A comforting and creamy dish where fresh zucchini is layered with cheese and baked to golden perfection, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Baked Zucchini, Cheesy Vegetable Dish, comfort food, Vegetarian, Zucchini Gratin
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini Thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp salt For drawing out moisture
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 small onion Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 200 ml heavy cream Luxurious sauce base
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard For depth and tanginess
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg Enhances richness
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella For layering and melting
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Adds nuttiness and saltiness
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère Velvety cheese option
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives For garnish
  • Extra optional Parmesan For topping

Instructions

Preparation

  • Lay the thin zucchini slices on a tray and sprinkle them generously with salt. Allow them to sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  • After resting, gently pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.

Cooking the Base

  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.

Creating the Cream Sauce

  • Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper into the onion and garlic mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Layering the Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish and layer zucchini slices, spooning over the cream sauce, and scattering cheese between layers.
  • Repeat for 2–3 layers until all ingredients are used. Ensure each layer is well-coated with sauce.

Baking

  • Finish with a sprinkle of remaining cheese and optionally add an extra layer of Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving

  • Let the gratin cool for a few moments, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving warm.

Notes

Avoid skipping the salting step to prevent excess moisture. Don't overcrowd layers for even cooking.