Description
This Cheesy Zucchini Gratin is a low-carb, comforting dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini baked in a creamy garlic sauce with a blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and asiago cheeses. Lightly caramelized onions and beef broth enrich the flavors, while the golden bubbly cheese topping adds a delicious finish. Perfect as a side or a light main, this gratin is easy to prepare and sure to please cheesy veggie lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large zucchini, sliced thin and cut into half circles
- 1 small onion, sliced thin
- 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mixed cheese (mozzarella and asiago blend)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Other
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Caramelize onions and sauté garlic: In a large ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they are lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper into the onion and garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and add parmesan: Allow the mixture to begin bubbling slightly to meld the flavors. Then, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it is melted and incorporated.
- Incorporate zucchini and cook: Add the sliced zucchini into the skillet, distributing it evenly. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on medium heat until the zucchini softens, stirring gently to coat the slices with the sauce.
- Top with cheese and bake: Evenly spread your choice of shredded cheeses (mozzarella and asiago mix recommended) over the zucchini mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven carefully, let it cool slightly, then serve warm as a delicious low-carb side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring the gratin to another dish before baking.
- Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Adjust the salt level according to the saltiness of your cheese or broth.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- The cheese blend can be customized with other favorites like cheddar or Gruyere for variation.
- Let the gratin sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy zucchini gratin, low carb zucchini recipe, baked zucchini dish, easy healthy gratin, keto zucchini dish
