Zucchini Gratin Recipe (Lightened up!)

This Zucchini Gratin recipe is made without heavy cream, but it isn’t lacking in flavor. You’ll love this lightened up version for a healthy side dish!

It’s that time of year…..summer veggies are in season! There’s so many different zucchini and summer squash recipes I love making in the summer when the veggies are the freshest. I enjoy adding zucchini in so many different dishes, but sometimes I like to keep it simple. This Zucchini Gratin recipe is just that. It’s a simple and easy vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with so many different meals.

Not only is zucchini fresh and delicious, but it’s filled with nutrients. Adding zucchini into your diet will help keep your heart healthy by decreasing your risk of having a stroke, reducing high blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol. It’s also super low calorie. One zucchini is only 33 calories!

This recipe is one of my favorite vegetable side dishes because it’s more than just roasted veggies, but still light and delicious. The breadcrumbs provide the perfect texture, and the veggies give this dish a fresh flavor that will leave you wanting more. The melted parmesan cheese is the cherry on top!

This isn’t your standard cheese-and-heavy-cream-with-a-side-of-vegetables gratin. It’s lightened up, yet still perfectly delicious.

Ingredients Needed

1. Zucchini– Zucchini is full of nutrition. It’s loaded with antioxidants and helps aid stomach digestion! It’s one of the star ingredients in this recipe.
2. Yellow Squash– Yellow squash pairs so well with the zucchini and adds some color contrast to this zucchini gratin. It’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and potassium.
3. Avocado Oil– Avocado Oil is great for sautéing. It’s a healthier, non-inflammatory fat with a higher smoke point. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil if you would like.
4. Parmesan Cheese– This cheese provides the best flavor in this recipe. It’s a good source of protein, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
5. Bread Crumbs– The texture from the breadcrumbs is irresistible in this dish! Italian style bring in some great flavorings.
6. Basil– Adding fresh basil brings this dish to the next level!

How to make Zucchini Gratin

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Wash and dry your zucchini and summer squash and slice them into coins, place on a cooling tray on top of a baking sheet, and lightly salt. Allow the veggies to sit for 30 minutes. Make sure you don’t skip this step to ensure your gratin doesn’t become soggy. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
3. Next, heat your oil in a large skillet and sauté your veggies until they start to turn brown (about 8-10 minutes).
4. In a small casserole dish (sprayed with oil), cover the bottom with a layer of the veggies. Don’t worry about letting them overlap a little bit.
5. Top the zucchini and squash with a layer of breadcrumbs and cheese. Continue this layering process until you have layered all of your veggies.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes or until the top is brown and bubbly.
7. Top with the basil, serve and enjoy!

Zucchini Gratin Recipe FAQS

Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?

I think grated parmesan provides the best flavor in this dish. If you would like, you could use asiago, Grana Padano or Romano cheese, which are the best substitutes for parmesan.

Can I add more summer vegetables?

Absolutely! Tomatoes and eggplant would also be super delicious!

Can you make this gluten free?

Yes! You can substitute any gluten free breadcrumbs or make your own using nuts, gluten free crackers, or chips.

Can I make this vegan?

Just do without the cheese or substitute vegan cheese for a delicious vegan side dish!

What meal would this Zucchini Gratin pair well with?

This vegetable side dish goes well with so many different meals! I like to have it with my Grilled Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, and Pan Fried Salmon.

Looking for more delicious vegetable side dish recipes? Try my Baked Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan and Sweet and Spicy Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower.

If you’re looking for more ways to use up zucchini, check out this list of 75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes.

I hope you enjoy this Zucchini Gratin Recipe and all my healthy recipes! If you try it or any other recipe, please leave a star rating below! It’s so helpful for other readers to see which recipes are tried and true!

I’d also love to see it–share your photo of this dish and tag me on Instagram, and I’ll feature you! Let me know if this one gets added to your favorite recipes list. It’s on mine!