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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 450°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
- 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.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrant oils and intensify the flavor profile.
- Cream Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken while whisking in parmesan cheese until smooth and luxurious.
- Vegetable Layer: Artfully arrange thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash in the creamy sauce, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cheese Topping: Liberally sprinkle smoked gouda over the vegetable layers, creating a rich and indulgent blanket of melting cheese.
- 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.
- 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