Sunny French Farm-Style Zucchini Gratin Recipe by Ina Garten

Golden summer zucchini shine in this delightful Ina Garten provencal zucchini gratin that brings the warm flavors of southern France right to your dinner table.

Fresh vegetables mingle with rich, creamy cheese in a simple yet elegant dish.

Each slice promises a burst of herbal notes and subtle warmth.

The recipe captures the essence of rustic French countryside cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Layers of thinly sliced zucchini create a stunning visual feast that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

You’ll love how easily this gratin comes together, turning ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary side dish that steals the spotlight.

Embrace the magic of Mediterranean-inspired cooking and let your taste buds dance with every savory bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 278 kcal

Servings: 6

Ina Garten’s Provencal Zucchini Gratin Ingredient List

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety flavor and helps soften vegetables without burning, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best taste.
• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation to the dish, select fresh, firm onions with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Zucchini: Brings delicate summer vegetable texture and mild flavor, pick firm, bright green zucchinis without blemishes.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances flavors, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor depth.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.
• Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes typical of Provençal cuisine, fresh thyme sprigs deliver more intense flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle background complexity, freshly grated nutmeg offers more aromatic profile.

• Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy golden crust, use fresh or panko for extra crunchiness.
• Gruyère Cheese: Delivers nutty, rich cheese flavor, select aged Gruyère for deeper taste.
• Half-and-Half: Creates creamy, luxurious sauce texture, ensure fresh and high-quality dairy.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and bind ingredients, all-purpose flour works perfectly.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s French-Inspired Gratin

• Oval Gratin Dish: 8 × 10-inch ceramic or glass baking dish perfect for creating a golden, crispy top.
• Medium Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for softening onions and cooking zucchini evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing zucchini and onions with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring vegetables and mixture without scratching the pot.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing bread crumbs and cheese topping.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Layer-by-Layer: Ina Garten’s Zucchini Gratin Method

Provencal Zucchini Comfort Bake

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect environment for a delicious vegetable masterpiece. Generously coat a beautiful oval baking dish with a smooth butter layer.

• Vegetable Symphony

In a spacious cooking pot, melt butter and transform onions into silky, translucent treasures. Introduce zucchini and let them dance together, softening and releasing their delicate flavors. Gentle stirring ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

• Creamy Transformation

Dust the vegetable mixture with a light flour veil, then slowly pour in rich half-and-half. Awaken the herbs – thyme whispers its earthy notes while nutmeg adds a warm, subtle depth. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

• Cheesy Golden Crown

Transfer the fragrant mixture into the prepared dish, creating a smooth landscape. Sprinkle a delightful mixture of crispy bread crumbs and nutty Gruyère cheese across the top. Dot with tiny butter gems for extra richness.

• Final Touch

Slide the dish into the hot oven, watching the top transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. After baking, let the gratin rest and settle, allowing flavors to mingle and harmonize before serving.

Creative Spins for Ina Garten’s Zucchini Dish

• Creative Cooking Tips & Variations
• Replace zucchini with yellow squash, eggplant, or a mix of summer vegetables for a colorful and nutritious twist.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Substitute Gruyère with other melting cheeses like fontina, cheddar, or mozzarella for a different cheesy experience that keeps the dish exciting.
• Enhance the gratin by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or crispy pancetta to introduce a savory protein element that elevates the entire dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this recipe friendly for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the delicious crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Gratin

• Savor with Complementary Sides: Pair this zucchini gratin with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal that balances the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the gratin's creamy and savory profile.
• Create a Mediterranean Feast: Accompany the gratin with a simple green salad and crusty French bread to transport your taste buds to the sunny Provence region.

Store and Reheat Tips for Ina Garten’s Zucchini Bake

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover zucchini gratin in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy top and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the dish's original texture.
• Freeze Strategically: Wrap the gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop zucchini and onions a day in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers. Assemble the gratin just before baking to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.

Rustic Ina Garten Provencal Zucchini Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s provençal zucchini gratin blends French countryside flavors with creamy, cheesy elegance. Crisp zucchini layers meld perfectly with herbs and gruyère, creating a simple yet sophisticated side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced crosswise
• 2.5 lbs small zucchini, sliced ½ inch thick crosswise
• 5 tbsps (74 ml) unsalted butter, divided, plus extra for the dish
• 1 cup (237 ml) half-and-half
• 0.75 cup (84 g) Gruyère cheese, grated (2 oz)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps fresh thyme leaves, minced
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.75 cup (60 g) fresh bread crumbs from a boule, crusts removed
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Gently melt butter in a Dutch oven, softening onions until translucent without browning, creating a delicate flavor base that takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Vegetable Transformation: Introduce zucchini slices to the onion mixture, seasoning with kosher salt. Simmer covered, allowing vegetables to release moisture and become tender, then uncovered to concentrate flavors and evaporate excess liquid.
3. Creamy Enhancement: Dust the vegetable blend with all-purpose flour, then gradually incorporate half-and-half. Raise heat to medium-high, stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Infuse with fresh thyme leaves, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile.
4. Gratin Assembly: Transfer the vegetable mixture into a generously buttered 8 × 10-inch ceramic baking dish. Create a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs and Gruyère cheese, sprinkling evenly over the zucchini base. Dot with butter cubes to promote golden browning.
5. Baking Finale: Position the gratin in a preheated 220°C / 425°F oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece with bubbling edges. Rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize before serving warmth and comfort on a plate.

Notes

• Butter Distribution Tip: Generously coat the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor release.
• Onion Cooking Technique: Sauté slowly without browning to develop a soft, sweet base for the gratin.
• Moisture Management: Uncover and reduce liquid to concentrate vegetable flavors and prevent watery consistency.
• Cheese Topping Trick: Sprinkle breadcrumb and Gruyère mixture evenly for a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture and richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg