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