Creamy Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash Recipe for Side Dish Bliss

Rich, creamy zucchini gratin reimagines humble summer vegetables into a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal.

Gardens overflow with verdant squash during peak season, inspiring creative culinary adventures.

Layered vegetables capture the essence of seasonal abundance, melding textures and flavors into a harmonious ensemble.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques bring out the natural sweetness of tender zucchini, complemented by golden, crispy cheese edges.

Warm, comforting gratins represent the perfect marriage of rustic simplicity and elegant dining experiences.

Cheesy, herb-infused ingredients meld together, creating a dish that feels both familiar and surprising.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this gratin promises to become a delightful addition to your recipe collection.

What Makes Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash Worth Baking

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This gratin delivers a luxurious, velvety texture with rich heavy cream and melted cheeses that coat tender vegetables in pure indulgence.
• Elevate Vegetable Simplicity: Transforming humble zucchini and yellow squash into a gourmet side dish, this recipe turns everyday vegetables into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort.
• Quick Culinary Magic: From stovetop to oven, this one-skillet wonder takes just 30 minutes to create a golden, bubbly masterpiece that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients for Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Zucchini, Yellow Squash: Fresh summer squash with mild, slightly sweet flavor. Best when firm and free from blemishes. Choose medium-sized vegetables for even cooking.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, creamy sauce. Provides smooth texture and enhances overall richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty taste. Aged cheese with deep, nutty undertones.
• Smoked Gouda Cheese: Offers smoky, complex flavor. Provides golden, melty top layer for the gratin.

• Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized base flavor. Adds depth to the cream sauce.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic, pungent notes. Enhances overall savory profile of the dish.

Instructions to Prepare Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Skillet

Crank up your oven to a toasty 450°F. Grab a large oven-safe skillet that will be your cooking vessel.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Toss in sliced onions and let them dance until edges turn a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and let it sizzle for one minute, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble and thicken. Gently stir in parmesan cheese until it creates a luxurious, silky sauce.

Step 5: Introduce Vegetables

• Zucchini
• Yellow squash

Let them swim in the cream mixture for 4-5 minutes, softening gently.

Step 6: Top with Smoky Cheese

Scatter shredded smoked gouda across the vegetables, creating a tantalizing cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve this warm, comforting dish to eager diners.

Tips for a Crisp and Creamy Zucchini Gratin

• Select Fresh Produce: Choose firm, vibrant zucchini and yellow squash with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut vegetables into consistent thin slices to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Control Moisture: Pat zucchini and squash dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the gratin watery.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange vegetable slices slightly overlapping to create an attractive, compact dish that cooks evenly.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more even coverage across the gratin.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Gratin Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover gratin to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and retain flavor.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, place gratin in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming and preserve the dish's creamy texture.

What to Serve with Zucchini Gratin and Yellow Squash

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the zucchini gratin. These wines cut through the heaviness of the dish and enhance the vegetable's delicate taste.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside a simple roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary. The light protein balances the creamy gratin and provides a protein-rich accompaniment that doesn't overpower the vegetable medley.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, acidic contrast to the rich, cheesy gratin. The bright salad helps cleanse the palate between bites and adds a fresh element to the meal.
• Complement with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Offer warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious cream and cheese sauce. The bread's tangy flavor and crisp texture perfectly complement the soft, creamy gratin.

Different Ways to Change Up Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Herbed Veggie Medley: Replace gouda with crumbled feta cheese and add fresh chopped basil, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Gratin: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Lean Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked diced chicken or crumbled bacon between vegetable layers to transform the dish into a more substantial main course.
• Vegan Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based rendition that maintains rich, creamy texture.

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy zucchini gratin with yellow squash showcases summer’s garden bounty in a rich, cheesy French-inspired casserole. Layers of tender vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese create a comforting side dish that draws you into seasonal culinary delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds ⅛ to ¼ inch thick (about 150 grams)
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced into rounds ⅛ to ¼ inch thick (about 150 grams)
• ½ onion, thinly sliced

Dairy and Cream:

• ½ cup heavy cream (120 milliliters)
• 1 cup shredded smoked gouda (100 grams)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (25 grams)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)

Aromatics:

• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a scorching 450°F, preparing a searing environment for the vegetable medley.
2. Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet, allowing it to shimmer over medium heat until golden.
3. Introduce sliced onions to the skillet, caramelizing the edges until they develop a rich, amber hue.
4. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence.
5. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, coaxing it to bubble and thicken with gentle swirls.
6. Gradually fold parmesan cheese into the cream, creating a velvety, luxurious sauce.
7. Layer thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash into the creamy base, allowing them to nestle and soften.
8. Blanket the vegetables with a generous shower of smoked gouda, ensuring even coverage.
9. Slide the skillet into the heated oven, transforming the dish with intense heat for 15-20 minutes.
10. Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling crust signaling the gratin’s perfect completion.
11. Extract from the oven, letting the dish rest momentarily before serving this rustic, creamy vegetable masterpiece.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, firm zucchini and yellow squash for the best texture and flavor in this creamy gratin.
• Use an oven-proof skillet to minimize dish cleanup and ensure seamless cooking from stovetop to oven.
• Caramelize onions carefully to develop a rich, sweet undertone that complements the vegetables’ mild taste.
• Choose a high-quality smoked gouda for an extra layer of depth and complexity in the dish.
• Allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes after baking to help the cream sauce set and make serving easier.
• This dish pairs perfectly with grilled proteins or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian main course.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg