Variation
Add a layer of Gruyère cheese between the vegetables for extra richness.
This zucchini tomato gratin combines layers of garden-fresh vegetables with a crisp, herb-flecked parmesan topping for the perfect seasonal side dish.

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Cook the sliced onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Do not brown the onions; you want them sweet and tender.
Total time: 1 h · Yields 6 servings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a large oval gratin dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Spread this mixture across the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange the zucchini and tomato slices in the dish, alternating them in overlapping rows. Season the layers generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the vegetables. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the crust is golden brown.
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Add a layer of Gruyère cheese between the vegetables for extra richness.
Swap thyme for fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal profile.
Include yellow summer squash for more color contrast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to crisp up the topping.
Salt the zucchini slices lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Also, ensure you use meaty tomatoes like Roma and bake uncovered for the final 20 minutes.
You can assemble the vegetable layers and onion base a few hours early. Add the breadcrumb topping just before putting it in the oven to keep it crispy.
A gratin specifically features a browned crust, usually made of cheese or breadcrumbs, whereas a casserole is a more general term for any dish baked in a deep pan.
No, the skin of the zucchini provides structure and color to the dish. Just wash the exterior thoroughly before slicing.
Parmesan is excellent for a salty, sharp crust. For better melt, you can mix in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Fontina.






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