CHEESY SCALLOPED ZUCCHINI

This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini sounds delicious and incredibly easy!

Introduction to Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

When it comes to side dishes, sometimes we’re looking for something that’s both simple and indulgent, without requiring hours of prep or cooking.

This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is the perfect answer to that craving! Combining the fresh, light texture of zucchini with rich, creamy cheese and a golden, crispy topping, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

It’s a perfect side dish that combines creamy cheese, fresh zucchini, and a crispy topping. Here’s a recap of the recipe in case you want to give it a try:

Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

Ingredients

:

Unsalted butter (for greasing)

1 lb zucchini, thinly sliced

2/3 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyere cheese

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

:

Preheat your broiler: Position a rack in your oven 6 inches from the broiler and heat it to high.

Prepare the baking dish: Grease a shallow 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan with softened butter.

Prepare the zucchini: Season zucchini with salt and pepper, then arrange it on the prepared baking dish or pan.

Broil for about 4 minutes, just until the squash starts to soften.

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, thyme, garlic powder, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and flour.

Assemble the dish: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the zucchini. Then, sprinkle the top with Gruyere cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

Broil: Return the pan to the oven and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!

This dish is not only quick to make but also offers a great combination of flavors and textures. I hope you enjoy it!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

:

Slice the zucchini thinly: Thin slices ensure that the zucchini cooks evenly and softens properly under the broiler. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness.

Broiling: Keep an eye on the zucchini as it broils, as the broiler works quickly. You want the zucchini to soften, but not to burn.

Cream mixture: Make sure to whisk the flour into the cream mixture thoroughly to prevent any lumps. This will give you a smooth, creamy texture.

Cheese variations: You can substitute Gruyere with other melty cheeses like Mozzarella or Cheddar, but Gruyere adds a nice depth of flavor.

Breadcrumb topping: If you prefer a more crispy topping, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs in a pan with a bit of butter before adding them to the dish.

Storage

:

Refrigeration: After the dish has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cheesy zucchini, though it’s best to freeze it before broiling the final layer.

If you freeze it after broiling, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly, adding a few more minutes under the broiler to get the crispy top back.

Serving Suggestions

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As a side dish: This cheesy zucchini pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a vegetarian main dish served with a side of quinoa or rice.

Toppings: You can sprinkle some fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or basil, on top for a fresh contrast to the rich cheese.

With a salad: A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the cheesy zucchini.

Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!