Zucchini Bake Casserole with Gruyere and Parmesan
Zucchini Bake Casserole with Gruyere and Parmesan is a comforting and cheesy dish featuring tender zucchini slices baked with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. This golden casserole offers a perfect balance of fresh vegetable flavor and rich, savory cheese, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive side dish, or a light lunch. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s a versatile, healthful comfort meal or side that can be customized to your taste.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium fresh zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)
Binding and Seasoning
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- Olive oil or butter, for sautéing and greasing
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (optional, for crunchy topping)
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis. Place the slices in a towel and gently press to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic and Zucchini: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the zucchini slices and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the Binding Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the sautéed zucchini and garlic mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs and additional Parmesan cheese on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Remove excess moisture from zucchini slices to avoid a watery casserole and keep it firm.
- Use freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded to ensure better melting and flavor.
- Do not overbake, as it can dry out the casserole; bake until golden and set.
- Allow the casserole to rest slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting the mixture before baking to balance the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, zucchini bake, gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese, vegetable casserole, cheesy bake, gluten free appetizer, easy casserole