Cheesy Zucchini Au Gratin
This zucchini au gratin recipe is so delicious! With its creamy, cheesy sauce, this healthy and hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from summer potlucks to holiday meals.
What to serve with cheesy zucchini au gratin
Cheesy zucchini au gratin won’t ever let you down as a trusty side dish. For a satisfying weeknight dinner, just pair it with a basic protein and you’re set. Grill or bake a juicy chicken breast, roast a flaky and flavorful cut of salmon or grill a juicy steak. When simply prepared, they complement the creamy indulgence of the zucchini gratin.
For a vegetarian option, the zucchini au gratin could be the star attraction. Just pair it with a green salad and crusty bread for mopping up the cheese sauce. For more cheesy flavor, do it with my homemade cheesy garlic bread.
Zucchini au gratin is a fantastic addition to holiday spreads, fitting in nicely alongside classics like creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Expect to be asked for the recipe. You know where to send them!
Ingredients needed to make cheesy zucchini au gratin
To make this creamy zucchini dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Zucchini: Mild and slightly sweet, zucchini provides the perfect base for this dish. Its tender texture when cooked adds an enjoyable mouthfeel that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Butter: Creating a rich and creamy base for the sauce, butter lends an indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Salt: Enhancing the overall flavor of the dish, salt helps balance the creaminess of the sauce and brings out the best in the other ingredients.
- Garlic Powder: Adding a subtle, savory note, garlic powder infuses the dish with a hint of garlic flavor that’s not overpowering.
- Flour: Thickening the sauce to create a velvety texture, flour is essential for achieving the perfect consistency.
- Heavy Cream: Making the sauce extra creamy and decadent, whipping cream provides a luxurious backdrop for the melty cheese.
- Black Pepper: A hint of heat from black pepper helps bring out the flavors of the cheese and zucchini while adding a touch of warmth to the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, creamy, and stretchy, mozzarella cheese contributes to the irresistible gooeyness that makes zucchini au gratin so satisfying.
- Gruyere Cheese: With its nutty and slightly earthy flavor, Gruyere cheese adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich Parmesan cheese packs a flavor punch and adds an extra layer of crispy, gooey goodness on top.
- Chives: A bright pop of color and mild onion flavor, chives make the perfect garnish to finish off this scrumptious dish.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.
Kitchen equipment needed:
- Saucepan
- Food processor, optional
- Grater
- 8 x 11 casserole baking dish or oval au gratin dish
Frequently asked questions about zucchini au gratin
Below are a handful of the most popular questions I get about making this creamy, cheesy zucchini dish. If you have other questions I haven’t answered here, please ask in the comments!
How do you cook zucchini without it getting soggy?
To prevent soggy zucchini, pat your slices dry with paper towels before layering it in the dish.
What substitutions work in this zucchini au gratin dish?
You can play with the flavors quite a bit by trying different cheeses to suit your preferences. You can also create a gluten-free version of this dish by simply swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.
What is the best way to store zucchini au gratin?
After the dish cools, transfer it to an airtight container or simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will store for up to three days in the refrigerator. When you want to repeat it, cover it with foil in an oven-safe dish or pan and warm it in a preheated 325°F oven about 15 to 20 minutes.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try
- Meat Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Orange Sweet Potato Souffle
- Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe
How to make cheesy zucchini au gratin
Below is my step-by-step guide for making this delicious zucchini dish.
Cheesy Zucchini Au Gratin
Equipment
- Food processor optional
- Grater
- 8 x 11 casserole baking dish or oval au gratin dish
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup gruyere cheese
- 6 small zucchini sliced 1/4 inch thick
- Fresh chives for garnish chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Slice the zucchini or use a food processor to cut them into thin ¼ inch slices.
- Use the food processor or grater to grate the cheese.
- Grease an 8 x 11 dish or 2-quart au gratin dish and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 30 seconds until thickened, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add in the whipping cream and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add half the parmesan cheese and stir until mixed in.
- Arrange half the zucchini on the bottom of the casserole dish, overlapping each other.
- Spread half of the sauce on top of the zucchini, then sprinkle half of the gruyere and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top of the sauce.
- Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake on 400 degrees for 25 minutes, until the zucchini is fork tender and the top of the cheese starts to brown.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
- Brie or cheddar could be used as a substitute for any of the other cheeses.
