Easy Zucchini Au Gratin
Easy Zucchini Au Gratin is a luscious creamy cheesy zucchini, onions, and garlic. It is quick and easy to prepare. It will make a zucchini lover out of you. With summer currently in full swing and summer gardens exploding with zucchini, there is always that question “What to do with all of this zucchini?”. Zucchini Au Gratin takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes in the oven, making this recipe popular for a weeknight meal. This recipe will bring out a new love for zucchini you never knew you had!
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE IT
HOW DO YOU MAKE IT?
Clean, slice, and salt your zucchini. Place the zucchini slices in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt (3/4 teaspoon salt is a good amount), and drain over the sink for 45 minutes. (Doing this prevents a watery casserole!) Pat dry with a paper towel. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Once the moisture is removed arrange the zucchini in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan saute the minced onion, garlic, and thyme in butter. Add one tablespoon of flour to create a roux and slowly add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk to combine. Add 1/2 the cheddar cheese to the sauce.
Pour the sauce over the zucchini and toss to combine.
Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Once the zucchini is tender add the second half of the cheddar cheese and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the Zucchini Au Gratin is golden brown on top.
PRO COOKING TIPS:
- If you allowed the zucchini to rest and your dish was still too watery. Next time saute or grill the zucchini this will add flavor and remove the moisture.
- You can add Italian Seasoning (about 1 teaspoon) if you want more flavor.
- You can use any cheese you want. It’s up to you. I used a blend of white cheddar and parmesan.
- Shredded zucchini can change things up.
- Add a crunchy topping, use panko bread crumbs if you want, or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
HOW TO REHEAT AND STORE LEFTOVERS?
Cover leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat use the microwave or 350-degree F oven until warm.
CAN YOU FREEZE ZUCCHINI AU GRATIN?
I would avoid freezing this zucchini au gratin recipe, the zucchini will be mushy and the dairy will begin to separate. I don’t think it would look appetizing once defrosted.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH EASY ZUCCHINI AU GRATIN?
Let’s talk about the main course! Some of our favorite things to serve with these mashed potatoes! We have great recipes for Sweet Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs, Creamy Smothered Chicken Breast, or Tender Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin If you want to get in veggies, then this is great with a green side salad, fill it with your favorite chopped-up vegetables and dressing.
Easy Zucchini Au Gratin
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 Zucchini (cleaned and sliced thin)
- Salt
- 1 Onion (small)(minced)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp Flour
- ½ Tsp Thyme
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Cup Cheddar (divided)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Clean, slice, and salt your zucchini. Arrange on a paper towel and let the zucchini sweat out the excess moisture for 30 minutes. Blot with a paper towel to absorb the water.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Once the moisture is removed arrange the zucchini in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan saute the minced onion, garlic, and thyme in butter.
- Add one tablespoon of flour to create a roux and slowly add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk to combine.
- Add 1/2 the cheddar cheese to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the zucchini and toss to combine.
- Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Once the zucchini is tender add the second half of the cheddar cheese and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the Zucchini Au Gratin is golden brown on top.
- Serve immediately with your favorite protein. Enjoy!
This Easy Zucchini Au Gratin recipe is a culinary delight! With its simple yet flavorful combination of thinly sliced zucchini, creamy texture, and perfectly golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a true winner.
Awsome I hope you prepare it again!
Glad you enjoyed it.