Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy vegetable bake that steals the spotlight! 🧀✨
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Calories: ~250 per serving | Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Elegant but easy – Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
✅ Cheesy, creamy goodness – Gruyère + Parmesan = next-level flavor.
✅ Low-carb friendly – Skip breadcrumbs for a keto version!
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 medium yellow squashes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (divided)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onion until soft (~4 mins), then add garlic (1-2 mins).
3. Make Cheese Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream, then stir in:
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- ½ cup Gruyère
- Thyme, salt & pepper
- Cook until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Layer Squash & Sauce
- First layer: Arrange half the zucchini/yellow squash in the dish.
- Sauce: Pour half the cream mixture over the squash.
- Repeat with remaining squash and sauce.
5. Top & Bake
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan + Gruyère (and breadcrumbs, if using).
- Cover with foil, bake 20 mins.
- Uncover, bake 15-20 mins more until golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve!
- Let rest 5 mins, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips
🔹 Thin slices = tender squash – Use a mandoline for even cuts.
🔹 No heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
🔹 Extra crispy topping? Broil 1-2 mins at the end (watch closely!).
Serving Suggestions
🍗 Pair with: Roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
🥗 Lighten it up: Serve with a crisp green salad.
“This disappeared faster than the main course!” — Let us know if your family loved it! 😍
