Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

Create flavorful Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini with this easy recipe! Made with fresh zucchini, creamy sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, it’s a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce.

Ingredients for Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

To prepare this delectable dish, you will need:

• Unsalted butter, softened, as needed
• 1 lb zucchini, thinly sliced
• 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

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Broiler: Position a rack in your oven about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on high.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a shallow 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan with softened butter.
3. Broil the Zucchini: Season the thinly sliced zucchini with salt and pepper, then arrange them on the prepared baking pan. Broil the zucchini just until they begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
4. Prepare the Cream Mixture: While the zucchini is baking, whisk together the heavy cream, dried thyme, garlic powder, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and all-purpose flour in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the partially cooked zucchini slices. Then, top the dish with freshly grated Gruyere cheese and panko breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

Baking and Serving

6. Broil Until Golden: Return the baking dish to the oven and broil until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, typically for about 4-5 minutes.
7. Enjoy: Once the Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is beautifully browned, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness alongside your favorite main course.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

• Uniform Slicing: Try to slice the zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to allow the zucchini to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more garlic powder or thyme for extra flavor.

FAQs about Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

Can I use other types of cheese?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking. Cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina would all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• While Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before baking for convenience.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

• Certainly! You can add sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Yes, simply omit the Parmigiano-Reggiano and use vegetarian-friendly alternatives for the cheese and heavy cream.

How should I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.