Easy Zucchini Au Gratin
This Easy Zucchini Au Gratin is a healthy baked casserole loaded with cheese! This gooey side dish is layered with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for the perfect dose of flavor.
Servings 6 servings
Calories 275kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 whole fresh zucchini Sliced 1/4-1/2 inch thick into slices. Unsliced, mine weighed 3 pounds.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Divided into 2 servings.
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan reggiano cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the sliced zucchini on a flat surface with towels or paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of the zucchini with salt.
- Allow the zucchini to sit for 30 minutes. This will sweat out the excess moisture of the zucchini. Skipping this step will result in a watery dish. After the 30 minutes. Blot and wring out any excess moisture.
- While the zucchini rests, prepare the filling for the dish. Heat a saucepan on medium heat and add the butter.
- When melted, add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Add in the cream cheese, whipping cream, Parmesan reggiano, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir. Add in the onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Taste the sauce repeatedly and adjust the flavor to taste as needed.
- Stir continuously until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Arrange the zucchini in rows throughout a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle the cheese sauce throughout.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and the mozzarella throughout the pan.
- Bake (uncovered) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. If you like a crisp top, a couple of minutes before the dish has finished baking, turn on the Broil function on the oven. Broil for 1-3 minutes until the top has crisped.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you allowed the zucchini to rest and your dish is still too watery, saute or grill the zucchini beforehand. It will add flavor and dry out the zucchini.
- You can add Italian Seasoning (about 1 teaspoon) if you are looking for zest, or serving this with an Italian themed main dish.
- You can use any cheese you wish. It's up to you. I purchase block cheese and grate it myself. Pre-shredded cheese typically has preservatives and corn starch. It does not melt as well. Keep this in mind if you choose not to make the dish using my method.
- You can make this using shredded zucchini or zucchini noodles if you wish.
- You can reduce the amount of fat in the recipe by using low-fat cream cheese and cheese in the recipe. You can also lessen the amount of cheese used.
- This is not a dish I would prep and make ahead because it will alter the texture of the cheese and it will harden.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 23g