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Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Yellow Squash Gratin

crispy cheesy zucchini yellow squash gratin - featured image

A simple yet elegant gratin featuring thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash layered with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan herb crust. Perfect for easy dinners and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with whole milk for lighter version)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the zucchini and yellow squash thoroughly. Slice into about 1/8-inch thick rounds.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot; cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté gently for 5 minutes until squash begins to soften but still holds shape.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream with half of the grated Parmesan and all shredded mozzarella. Stir in chopped parsley and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer sautéed squash mixture into the baking dish, spreading evenly. Pour cream and cheese mixture over the top, letting it seep between slices.
  7. In a small bowl, mix remaining Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the gratin.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until top is golden brown and crispy and filling bubbles around edges.
  9. Let gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed nuts like almonds. If crust browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Resting after baking helps flavors meld and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini gratin, yellow squash gratin, cheesy gratin, summer squash recipe, easy dinner, Parmesan crust, baked squash