Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin

Ready for a fresh, vibrant twist on a classic side dish? Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin is about to be your new go-to vegetable dish. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked zucchini and yellow squash, layered with rich, creamy cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of side dish that will make your veggies the star of the meal, and trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s simple to make, comforting, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a dish, wrapped up in a cheesy, crispy topping.

So let’s dive into why this veggie-packed gratin is going to be your next favorite recipe!

Why You’ll Love Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin

Perfectly Creamy: The cream and cheese create a luscious, smooth sauce that coats the zucchini and squash perfectly. It’s indulgent, but still light enough to enjoy as a side.

Crispy, Cheesy Top: The breadcrumbs and melted cheese form a golden, crispy layer that adds the perfect crunch to each bite.

Light Yet Satisfying: It’s a veggie dish that’s filling enough to pair with just about anything, but won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

Quick and Easy: It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that comes together in under an hour, so it’s perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, pasta, or just enjoying it as a light meal on its own, this gratin works with just about anything.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Zucchini: Fresh and tender, this veggie is mild and pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and cream.

Yellow Squash: Slightly sweeter than zucchini, yellow squash adds color and flavor to this gratin.

Heavy Cream: The base for the creamy sauce, giving the gratin its indulgent texture.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that melt-in-your-mouth cheese factor that everyone loves.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cheddar.

Breadcrumbs: Provides the perfect crunchy topping.

Garlic: A little garlic adds that aromatic depth and extra flavor.

Butter: For greasing the dish and adding richness to the topping.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the vegetables and cheese.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into thin rounds.
• Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Gratin:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the zucchini and yellow squash slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them.
• Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables.

Add the Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and extra Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the gratin.

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Serve:

• Let the gratin sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin

As a Side: This dish is perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a hearty steak.

With Pasta: Serve it alongside a big bowl of pasta for a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor.

As a Main: Add a simple salad and a warm loaf of bread for a light, vegetarian dinner option.

With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley to add a touch of brightness.

Additional Tips

• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a reduced-fat cheese.
• Herb It Up: Add a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the gratin the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven to bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal. Just bake from frozen, adding a little extra time in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different vegetables?
A1: Absolutely! You can add other veggies like eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a twist on this classic.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the gratin and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Can I substitute the cheese?
A3: You can swap the cheddar and Parmesan for other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed nuts like almonds for the topping.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the gratin before or after baking. Just make sure it’s well-covered and bake it from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q7: How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
A7: Try adding a little Dijon mustard, nutmeg, or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra complexity.

Q8: Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
A8: Sure! If you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can skip the breadcrumbs and simply bake the gratin with the cheesy sauce on top.

Q9: How do I know when the gratin is done?
A9: The gratin is ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. A fork should easily pierce through the veggies.

Q10: Can I use other types of cream?
A10: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, though it may slightly alter the texture.

Conclusion

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin is the perfect veggie side dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender vegetables and a crispy topping. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s bound to impress. So grab your zucchini and squash, and let’s make this gratin that’s guaranteed to disappear in no time!

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