Dinner

Classic Cheesy Zucchini Gratin

A creamy and comforting side dish that turns fresh summer zucchini into a golden, bubbly favorite.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 24, 2026
Classic Cheesy Zucchini Gratin
easy.enzo81.xyz
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Serves
4

When the garden starts overflowing with zucchini, this gratin is my go to side dish. It is incredibly cozy, simple to assemble, and always disappears from the dinner table quickly because everyone loves that crunchy breadcrumb topping.

My biggest tip for this recipe is to make sure you pat the sautéed zucchini dry with a paper towel before adding the cheese sauce. This prevents the dish from becoming watery, so you get perfectly creamy results every time.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

7Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a medium baking dish.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Season well with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Transfer the zucchini mixture to your prepared baking dish.

  5. 5

    Pour the heavy cream over the zucchini and sprinkle both the cheddar and parmesan cheeses evenly on top.

  6. 6

    Top with the panko breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

  7. 7

    Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven. If you want to add a bit of spice, feel free to sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top before baking.

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