Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin

iced zucchini and yellow squash are baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. It’s the perfect addition to any dinner table!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mandoline or sharp knife for slicing
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Oven

Ingredients Overview

• Zucchini and Yellow Squash: The stars of the dish, providing a tender and mild base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• Cheese: A mix of Parmesan and Gruyère or mozzarella for creaminess and a golden crust.
• Butter and Flour: Forms the roux, the base of the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Slice the Vegetables

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice 2 medium zucchinis and 2 medium yellow squashes into even rounds.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

• In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Arrange half the zucchini and squash slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
• Pour half the cream sauce over the vegetables. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat with the remaining vegetables, cream sauce, and another 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use Even Slices: Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Try Different Cheeses: Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar work well for the topping.
• Add Breadcrumbs: For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese topping.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Roasted chicken or pork chops for a hearty meal
• A fresh green salad for balance
• Crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time.

What other vegetables can I add?
Thinly sliced potatoes or sweet potatoes make a great addition to the layers.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 2 medium yellow squashes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Slice zucchinis and squashes into thin rounds.
3. Make a roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding heavy cream. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Layer half the zucchini and squash in the dish. Pour half the cream sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add Gruyère or mozzarella, and bake for another 15 minutes.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness of this Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin, a crowd-pleasing favorite!

ucchini and Squash Au Gratin

This Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy side dish that transforms simple vegetables into an irresistible delight. Layers of thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash are baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. It’s the perfect addition to any dinner table!

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Mandoline or sharp knife for slicing
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium zucchinis thinly sliced
• 2 medium yellow squashes thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
• Slice zucchinis and squashes into thin rounds.
• Make a roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding heavy cream. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Layer half the zucchini and squash in the dish. Pour half the cream sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add Gruyère or mozzarella, and bake for another 15 minutes.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness of this Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin, a crowd-pleasing favorite!

This Zucchini and Squash Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy side dish that transforms simple vegetables into an irresistible delight. Layers of thinly sl