Are you craving a mouthwatering side dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Zucchini Gratin! Imagine tender zucchini slices bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that's so good, you won't believe it's low-carb. Perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake or simply looking for a vegetable dish that doesn't taste like a boring diet meal, this gratin is about to become your new favorite recipe that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended, creating a seasoned cream base for the gratin.
- Layer the zucchini slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even, attractive arrangement. Pour the seasoned cream mixture evenly over the zucchini slices.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese generously over the zucchini, ensuring complete coverage. Top the cheese layer with grated Parmesan for additional flavor and a golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added freshness.
Tips
- Slice Consistently: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to ensure uniform zucchini slices. This guarantees even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
- Remove Excess Moisture: If your zucchinis are particularly watery, consider salting the slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This prevents a watery gratin.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe suggests cheddar or mozzarella, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkle some on top before the final baking stage.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This gratin can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
