Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash is a delightful, creamy dish that showcases the fresh, delicate flavors of summer squash. This recipe combines zucchini and yellow squash with a rich, cheesy sauce, and a crispy, golden topping. The gratin is perfect as a side dish for a hearty main course or even as a standalone vegetarian entrée. The combination of tender squash, flavorful herbs, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or cheddar cheese, if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Squash:
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini and yellow squash slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Gruyère cheese, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Gratin:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Arrange half of the zucchini and yellow squash slices in an overlapping pattern in the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the squash. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top.
- Repeat with the remaining squash, onion mixture, and cheese sauce.
- Add Topping (Optional):
- If using, sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs over the top of the gratin. This will add a crunchy texture and additional flavor.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the squash is tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash warm as a delicious side dish or main course.
This Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash offers a creamy, cheesy experience with a delightful crunch from the topping. It’s a fantastic way to use up summer squash and add a touch of comfort to your meal.
