Dinner · Side Dish · Vegetable · French-inspired

Zucchini Tomato Gratin With Parmesan Crust

This zucchini tomato gratin combines layers of garden-fresh vegetables with a crisp, herb-flecked parmesan topping for the perfect seasonal side dish.

4.6(250 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Zucchini Tomato Gratin With Parmesan Crust — French-inspired Dinner served and photographed from above
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Aromatic Base

  1. 1

    Sauté Onions

    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.

How to Make Zucchini Tomato Gratin With Parmesan Crust

Total time: 1 h · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Preheat and Prep

    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.

  2. 2

    Sauté Aromatics

    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.

  3. 3

    Layer the Vegetables

    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.

  4. 4

    Mix the Topping

    In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

  5. 5

    Bake the Gratin

    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.

Chef's Tips

  • Select zucchini and tomatoes with similar diameters for the most uniform and attractive presentation.
  • If your tomatoes are very juicy, let the sliced rounds sit on paper towels for 10 minutes to prevent a watery gratin.
  • Use a mandoline for perfectly even 1/4 inch vegetable slices.

What to Serve with Zucchini Tomato Gratin With Parmesan Crust

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken.
  • Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Enjoy as a light vegetarian lunch with a simple green salad.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add a layer of Gruyère cheese between the vegetables for extra richness.

Variation

Swap thyme for fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal profile.

Variation

Include yellow summer squash for more color contrast.

Storage & Reheating

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.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

How do I prevent my zucchini tomato gratin from being watery?

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.

Can I make this zucchini tomato gratin ahead of time?

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.

Is a gratin the same as a casserole?

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.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No, the skin of the zucchini provides structure and color to the dish. Just wash the exterior thoroughly before slicing.

What is the best cheese for a vegetable gratin?

Parmesan is excellent for a salty, sharp crust. For better melt, you can mix in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Fontina.

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