This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is the perfect way to transform zucchini into a flavorful, cheesy side dish that’s crispy on top and creamy in the middle. With a blend of Gruyere and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, this dish is sure to be a hit for any meal!
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened (for greasing)
- 1 lb zucchini, thinly sliced (about 3 medium zucchinis)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation:
Preheat the Broiler:
- Adjust your oven rack to position it 6 inches from the broiler element. Set the broiler to high to preheat.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter over the entire surface of a shallow 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra flavor.
Season and Broil Zucchini:
- Wash and thinly slice the zucchini to ensure even cooking. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler for about 4 minutes, or until the zucchini begins to soften slightly. Be sure to monitor to prevent burning.
Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, dried thyme, garlic powder, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and all-purpose flour. The flour will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, making the dish extra creamy.
Add Toppings and Broil:
- Remove the zucchini from the oven and evenly pour the cream mixture over the zucchini slices.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Gruyere cheese on top, followed by an even layer of panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will provide a delicious crunchy topping.
- Return the dish to the oven and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Serving:
- Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course.
Chef’s Tips:
- Slicing Zucchini: For uniformly thin slices, use a mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking.
- Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or fontina, or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead and broil just before serving to save time and enhance the flavors.
This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!