Description
A delicious and easy baked dish featuring layers of zucchini and yellow squash in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the zucchini and yellow squash into even ⅛–¼-inch rounds. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and ½ cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a greased 9×9-inch or similar baking dish, layer half the sliced squash in an even layer. Pour half of the cream sauce over it. Repeat with the remaining squash and top with the rest of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese and ¼ cup parmesan.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, the remaining ¼ cup parmesan, and olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the gratin evenly.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let the gratin rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini and squash are patted dry to avoid a watery gratin.
- Feel free to substitute different types of cheese based on preference.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Au Gratin, Baked Dish, Vegetarian