Hearty Zucchini Gratin

Name: Hearty Zucchini Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchini, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup vegetable broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: October 5, 2025

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Zucchini Gratin has been my go-to recipe for transforming a humble summer squash into something truly spectacular. There’s something so inherently comforting about a bubbly, cheesy gratin, isn’t there? It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show, making an ordinary weeknight meal feel special, or perfectly complementing a holiday feast. This gratin is not only incredibly versatile but also surprisingly easy to master, making it a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

I first fell in love with gratins during a culinary trip through France, where I discovered how elegantly simple ingredients could be elevated with classic techniques. The French truly understand how to coax maximum flavor out of vegetables, and this Zucchini Gratin is a testament to that. I’ve spent years refining my approach to classic French cooking, and this recipe embodies the balance of richness and fresh flavor I always strive for.

Zucchini Gratin - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Gratin

You’re going to absolutely adore this Zucchini Gratin, not just for its incredible taste but for how effortlessly it fits into your cooking routine. It’s a dish that truly delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.

It’s incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost any main course.
The creamy, cheesy goodness makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.
It’s a fantastic way to use up an abundance of fresh zucchini from your garden or farmer’s market.
The simple ingredients come together to create a surprisingly sophisticated side dish.

The Comfort of Zucchini Gratin

This Zucchini Gratin is pure comfort food, plain and simple. Imagine tender zucchini bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with golden-brown cheese and breadcrumbs—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty enough to feel substantial but light enough not to overwhelm your main dish. Whether you serve it alongside a roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a light vegetarian meal, it just works.

Simple Steps for Zucchini Gratin Success

Don’t let the elegant name fool you; making this Zucchini Gratin is surprisingly straightforward. I’ve designed this recipe to be approachable for cooks of all skill levels. You won’t find any complicated techniques or obscure ingredients here. Just simple steps, clear instructions, and a delicious result every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen and tastes like you spent hours on it!

Essential Ingredients for Zucchini Gratin

Creating this delicious Zucchini Gratin starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. I always say, a recipe is only as good as its components, and for this gratin, we’re focusing on freshness and quality to build layers of incredible flavor and texture. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items; just a handful of everyday essentials transformed into something extraordinary.

Fresh Produce for Your Zucchini Gratin

The star of our show, of course, is the zucchini! You’ll want three medium zucchini, sliced about ¼ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape in the gratin. Next up, one large onion, finely chopped, provides a sweet base when sautéed, and two cloves of garlic, minced, add that essential aromatic punch. These fresh vegetables are the heart of the dish.

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers for Zucchini Gratin

For that irresistible creaminess, we’re using one cup of rich heavy cream, which brings a luxurious mouthfeel to the gratin. A half cup of vegetable broth lightens the sauce slightly while adding depth. And what’s a gratin without cheese? Half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides salty, nutty notes that perfectly complement the zucchini. Finally, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs gives us that delightful golden-brown crust, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Zucchini Gratin

Making this beautiful Zucchini Gratin is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures the best results. I’ll walk you through it, making sure you feel confident from start to finish. We’ll build up those incredible layers of flavor and achieve that perfect, bubbly gratin everyone craves.

Preparing Your Ingredients for Zucchini Gratin

First things first, let’s get the oven ready! You’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large skillet and add your 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Get that shimmering over medium heat, then toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook down until it’s beautifully softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a sweet, aromatic base for your gratin.

Once the onion is soft, add your minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for just about a minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – burnt garlic can turn bitter and nobody wants that! Now, it’s time for our star: the sliced zucchini. Add it to the skillet along with the heavy cream, vegetable broth, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. You want the zucchini to be slightly tender but still hold its shape; it will finish cooking in the oven.

Assembling and Baking the Zucchini Gratin

Now for the fun part – assembling your gratin! Carefully transfer the entire zucchini mixture from the skillet into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so everything has a chance to get golden and bubbly. In a small separate bowl, combine your grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Give them a quick mix, then sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the zucchini mixture in the baking dish. This will create that irresistible golden crust we all love.

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Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the gratin is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when it looks absolutely irresistible! Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. This brief rest allows the gratin to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your perfectly baked Zucchini Gratin!

Tips for a Perfect Zucchini Gratin

Achieving a truly perfect Zucchini Gratin goes beyond just following the steps; it’s about understanding the little nuances that elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable. I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference, and I’m excited to share them with you to ensure your gratin is a showstopper every time.

Enhancing Flavor in Your Zucchini Gratin

For an even richer flavor profile, don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese! While Parmesan is wonderful, swapping it out for Gruyere cheese will add a nutty, more complex depth that is simply divine. Another secret for deepening the taste is to add a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to your cream mixture. It’s a classic French touch that beautifully complements the zucchini and cream, adding a subtle warmth without being overpowering. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Zucchini Gratin

One of the best things about this Zucchini Gratin is that it’s incredibly friendly to make ahead. You can fully assemble it, right up to sprinkling the cheese and breadcrumbs, and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through.

Zucchini Gratin Serving Suggestions

This delightful Zucchini Gratin is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. I love serving it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or a pan-seared steak for a comforting, yet elegant meal. It’s also fantastic with grilled fish or as a hearty vegetarian side dish for a Sunday roast. For a lighter touch, try it with a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. It’s truly a dish that complements almost anything!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Gratin

I get a lot of questions about making this delightful Zucchini Gratin, especially from home cooks looking to perfect their side dish game. Here are some of the most common queries and my best advice to help you achieve gratin greatness every time!

Can I make Zucchini Gratin with other vegetables?

Absolutely! This gratin recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily substitute or add other vegetables like thinly sliced yellow squash, eggplant, or even pre-cooked broccoli florets. Just be mindful of the moisture content of different vegetables; for very watery ones, you might want to pre-salt them just like zucchini.

How do I prevent my Zucchini Gratin from being watery?

The key to preventing a watery Zucchini Gratin lies in managing the zucchini’s natural moisture. While my recipe has you briefly cook the zucchini in a creamy sauce, if you find your zucchini is particularly watery, you can pre-salt the sliced zucchini. Lay the slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, pat them dry before adding to the skillet. This draws out excess water, ensuring a perfectly creamy, not watery, gratin.

What is the best way to reheat Zucchini Gratin?

To reheat your Zucchini Gratin and keep it delicious, I recommend using the oven. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly throughout. If you want to crisp up the topping again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. The microwave can work in a pinch for individual portions, but the oven gives you the best texture.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Zucchini Gratin

For those tracking their intake, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for this Zucchini Gratin. Per serving (based on 6 servings), you’re looking at approximately 250 calories, 18g of fat (with 10g saturated), 15g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, and 8g protein. Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Share Your Zucchini Gratin Experience

I’m so excited for you to try this Zucchini Gratin! I truly believe it’s a recipe that brings joy to the table. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you try any variations? What did you serve it with? I love hearing about your cooking adventures and seeing your delicious results!