Description

Scalloped dishes are often reserved for special occasions, but what if I told you that you could enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of a scalloped dish any night of the week? This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is the perfect example of how a simple yet sophisticated dish can elevate your dinner table without requiring hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender slices of zucchini bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, topped with a crisp layer of Gruyere cheese and breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a side dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and weekend dinners.

Zucchini, often underappreciated, takes center stage in this recipe. Its mild flavor becomes the perfect canvas for a rich, cheesy sauce that’s seasoned just right with thyme and garlic. The best part? The entire dish comes together in under 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right — in just 15 minutes, you can have a side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. This recipe proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few ingredients and a couple of simple steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 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 Method

1. Preheat the broiler and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with softened butter.
2. Slice the zucchini thinly and arrange in a single layer on the baking dish. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Broil the zucchini for about 4 minutes until it begins to soften.
4. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, dried thyme, garlic powder, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and all-purpose flour.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the softened zucchini.
6. Sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top.
7. Broil for another 4-5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
Feel free to customize this dish to your liking. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for a little heat. Or, for a more decadent twist, substitute half of the Gruyere with sharp cheddar or provolone. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a robust flavor that complements the zucchini.

Conclusion:
This Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is a dish that defies expectations. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, proving that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. The combination of tender zucchini, creamy sauce, and crispy cheese topping makes it a side dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it alongside a simple grilled chicken or as part of a more elaborate spread, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors, the satisfying textures, and the knowledge that you’ve just created something truly delicious in mere minutes!