Scrumptious Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin Recipe

A courgette gratin bursts with garden-fresh elegance, transforming simple zucchini into a culinary masterpiece that dances between rustic comfort and gourmet sophistication.

Layers of tender vegetables mingle with creamy, golden-edged cheese, creating a symphony of textures that sing with Mediterranean charm.

Skilled cooks know the magic lies in precise seasoning and careful technique, turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each slice reveals a delicate balance of herb-infused richness and summer vegetable sweetness.

Melted cheese weaves through the gratin, binding flavors into a harmonious embrace that whispers of sunny kitchen afternoons.

The dish promises a delightful sensory experience that elevates dinner from mundane to magnificent.

Let this gratin transport you to a world where simple ingredients become pure culinary poetry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 186 kcal

Servings: 4

Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin: Ingredients Needed

• Courgettes: Choose firm, vibrant green zucchini without blemishes or soft spots.
• Fresh Thyme: Select bright green sprigs with strong aromatic fragrance.
• Fresh Basil: Pick leaves with deep green color and no wilting edges.

• Crème Fraîche: Look for smooth, rich texture without separation.
• Whole Milk: Select fresh, full-fat milk for richer flavor.
• Flour: Use fine, smooth all-purpose flour without clumps.

• Salt: Choose fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly cracked peppercorns for intense flavor.
• Grated Cheese: Select a cheese that melts smoothly like gruyère or cheddar.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil with robust, fruity undertones.

Kitchen Tools for Courgette Gratin

• Large Skillet: Wide, flat pan perfect for softening courgettes and herbs evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for whisking crème fraîche and milk mixture smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Oven-Safe Dish: Sturdy ceramic or glass container that can withstand high temperatures.
• Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring vegetables during cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for measuring milk and flour accurately.
• Grater: Used for shredding cheese to create a beautiful golden topping.
• Oven Mitts: Protective gear for handling hot dishes safely.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing courgettes into perfect thin rounds.

Cooking Instructions for Courgette Gratin

• Prepare Your Cooking Space Heat the oven to 200°C and position the rack in the middle for consistent cooking. The goal is creating a warm environment that will transform your courgettes into a mouthwatering dish.
• Sauté Courgette Medley Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil. Toss in sliced courgettes with herbs like thyme and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their natural flavors.
• Layer And Season Transfer the aromatic courgette mixture into an oven-safe dish. Spread evenly to create a gorgeous vegetable canvas. Whisk together crème fraîche, milk, and a touch of flour to create a luxurious sauce. Pour this creamy liquid over the vegetables, ensuring it seeps between each layer.
• Bake To Golden Perfection Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese across the top. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Watch as the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that promises incredible flavor and texture. The cheese will melt and create a crispy, inviting top layer that will make everyone at the table eager to dig in.

Flavor Upgrades for Jamie’s Gratin

Swap the original cheese with sharp cheddar, creamy gruyère, or tangy goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Experiment by adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful vegetable medley in the dish.

Incorporate diced cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled plant-based sausage to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hungry appetites.

Elevate the recipe by using fresh herbs from your garden or windowsill – try rosemary, oregano, or parsley to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the courgettes perfectly.

Serving Tips for Courgette Gratin

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce and capture every delightful flavor.
• Create a Balanced Meal: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a light salad to transform this courgette dish into a complete, satisfying dinner.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped basil or thyme on top just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a vibrant green touch.
• Enjoy Temperature Contrast: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking, allowing it to cool slightly and develop a perfect creamy-crispy texture that melts in your mouth.

Storing Courgette Gratin for Later Meals

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover courgette bake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Sealed containers keep flavors locked and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or restore crispy edges by placing in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. Gentle reheating prevents texture breakdown.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the cooled dish tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Cooked vegetable gratins maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish in advance during weekend cooking sessions. Portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches or dinner sides. Prepping ahead saves time and ensures delicious meals are always ready.

Rustic Courgette Gratin Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy jamie oliver courgette gratin celebrates summer’s zucchini harvest with a simple yet elegant French-inspired side dish. Cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs create a golden, crispy topping that elevates garden-fresh vegetables into a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

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• 800 g (28.2 oz) courgettes, sliced
• 75 g (2.6 oz) gruyère cheese, grated
• 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) crème fraîche
• 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) milk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp flour
• Thyme leaves
• Basil leaves
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F), or 180°C (356°F) for convection, positioning rack in the middle for uniform heating.
2. Sautéing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, adding thinly sliced courgettes with fresh thyme and basil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
3. Vegetable Cooking: Simmer courgettes covered for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even softening, then transfer to an oven-safe baking dish in a single layer.
4. Creamy Sauce Creation: Whisk crème fraîche, whole milk, and flour until silky smooth, then pour evenly over the courgettes, creating a rustic coverage.
5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese across the surface, then bake for 25 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and edges become deliciously bubbly.

Notes

• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut courgettes into uniform thin rounds, ensuring consistent cooking and professional presentation.
• Layer Carefully: Spread courgettes in a single layer to maximize heat exposure and prevent soggy, uneven texture during baking.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality melting cheeses like Gruyère or Comté for rich flavor and golden-brown topping that elevates the dish.
• Moisture Control: Pat courgettes dry before cooking to reduce excess water and prevent a watery gratin, maintaining a creamy, luxurious consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 186
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg