Bright Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash Recipe for Summer

Summers burst with garden-fresh abundance, and this zucchini gratin with yellow squash delivers pure seasonal comfort.

Vibrant green and golden vegetables nestle beneath a creamy, golden-brown cheese blanket.

Layers of tender squash mingle with rich, melted cheese that transforms simple produce into an elegant side dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of herbs, vegetables, and savory goodness.

The recipe celebrates summer’s bounty with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crisp edges, silky center, and aromatic herbs make this gratin a standout at any meal.

Dive into this delicious vegetable celebration that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Zucchini: Tender green squash that provides a delicate, slightly sweet base for the gratin with a wonderful soft texture when cooked.
• Yellow Squash: Brings a sunny color and mild flavor, complementing the zucchini with its similar soft texture and ability to absorb creamy sauces.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized depth that creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the overall taste profile of the gratin.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing and adds luxurious flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, decadent sauce that binds the vegetables and adds incredible richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty complexity that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Smoked Gouda: Delivers a smoky, creamy topping that melts beautifully and adds a sophisticated layer of taste.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the gratin.

Kitchen Gear for Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Oven-proof skillet: Essential for cooking and baking the entire dish.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for slicing zucchini, yellow squash, and onions precisely.
• Cheese grater: Needed to grate parmesan and shred smoked gouda cheese.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate garlic and seasoning measurements.

Instructions for Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Skillet Setup

Select a sturdy oven-proof skillet as your cooking canvas, preparing for a vibrant vegetable adventure.

• Onion Transformation

Gently caramelize sliced onions in melted butter, coaxing out rich golden edges that whisper of deeper flavors.

• Garlic Awakening

Introduce minced garlic, letting its aromatic essence dance through the skillet and elevate the dish’s complexity.

• Creamy Foundation

Create a luxurious base by simmering heavy cream and blending in parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes a silky blanket for vegetables.

• Vegetable Layer

Nestle zucchini and yellow squash slices into the creamy landscape, allowing them to soften and absorb the surrounding richness.

• Cheese Crown

Generously scatter smoked gouda across the top, promising a golden, bubbling finale.

• Oven Magic

Slide the skillet into a blazing 450°F oven, transforming the ingredients into a rustic, mouthwatering gratin with crispy, melted cheese.

• Serving Moment

Pause briefly after removing from the oven, letting the gratin settle before presenting this irresistible vegetable masterpiece.

Flavor Tweaks for Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme, basil, or oregano before baking to introduce aromatic Mediterranean-inspired notes that complement the vegetables.
• Fold in cooked crumbled bacon, diced chicken, or ham to transform this side dish into a complete meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Replace traditional parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing delicious taste.

How to Serve Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Showcase this creamy zucchini gratin as a stunning side dish that will impress guests with its golden-brown cheese topping and rich, aromatic flavors.
• Hearty Protein Companion: Pair the gratin with grilled chicken breast, roasted salmon, or sliced herb-crusted pork tenderloin to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the vegetable's softness.
• Mediterranean-Style Spread: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad, warm crusty bread, and a glass of chilled white wine to transport your dining experience to a sunny Mediterranean terrace with vibrant, fresh elements.
• Summer Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to outdoor gatherings or family barbecues as a crowd-pleasing vegetable side that showcases seasonal summer squash in a deliciously creamy presentation.

Store or Reheat Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy cheese top and prevent vegetable mushiness.
• Advance Prep Technique: Slice zucchini and squash ahead of time and store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly, saving precious cooking minutes during busy weekdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this gratin for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.

Golden Zucchini Gratin

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

French-inspired summer squash gratin blends zucchini’s earthy richness with delicate yellow squash layers. Creamy herb-infused cheese and golden breadcrumbs create a comforting Mediterranean side dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup shredded smoked gouda (100 g / 3.5 oz)
• ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds 1/8 to ¼ inch thick (150 g / 5.3 oz)
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced into rounds 1/8 to ¼ inch thick (150 g / 5.3 oz)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (25 g / 0.9 oz)
• 2 tbsps butter (28 g / 1 oz)
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 450°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, adding sliced onions and cooking until they caramelize to a deep golden brown.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrant oils and intensify the flavor profile.
4. Cream Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken while whisking in parmesan cheese until smooth and luxurious.
5. Vegetable Layer: Artfully arrange thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash in the creamy sauce, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
6. Cheese Topping: Liberally sprinkle smoked gouda over the vegetable layers, creating a rich and indulgent blanket of melting cheese.
7. Baking Finale: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
8. Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce settle before presenting this rustic vegetable delicacy.

Notes

• Slice Vegetables Uniformly: Cut zucchini and yellow squash into thin, consistent slices for even cooking and appealing presentation.
• Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium heat while caramelizing onions to prevent burning and ensure rich, golden color.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality smoked gouda and parmesan for deeper flavor complexity and creamy texture.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow gratin to cool for 5 minutes after baking, helping the sauce set and intensifying the overall taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg