Description
A creamy and comforting Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin dish featuring layers of tender sliced vegetables baked in a rich cheesy sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a delicious side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Baking and Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then arrange the sliced zucchinis and yellow squash evenly in the bottom layer.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until all the cheese melts and you achieve a smooth sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the warm cheesy sauce evenly over the sliced zucchini and yellow squash, coating all the pieces thoroughly.
- Add Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top and dot the surface with small pieces of butter to get a golden and crunchy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the squash becomes tender and the top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture; omit for a softer finish.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Make sure to slice the vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
