Zucchini Tomato Gratin
Zucchini tomato gratin is a classic French side dish featuring tender zucchini in a rich tomato, onion, and garlic sauce. A golden breadcrumb topping provides a crisp contrast to the soft summer vegetables.
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- oven
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium zucchini evenly sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 4 medium tomatoes finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes until barely tender.
- Transfer the zucchini to a plate and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same saucepan.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the tomatoes.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Gently stir the cooked zucchini into the tomato sauce.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to an 8-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the fresh breadcrumbs evenly over the vegetables.
- Dot the topping with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the topping is golden and the gratin is heated through.
- Allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before s
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gratin with roasted chicken, grilled fish, lamb, or a crusty French loaf. It also pairs well with recipes from our Chicken Recipes, Fish Recipes, or Lamb Recipes.Recipe Notes
Cook the zucchini only until barely tender because it continues cooking in the oven. Simmer the tomato sauce until thickened so the gratin does not become watery. Fresh breadcrumbs produce a lighter and crisper topping than finely ground packaged breadcrumbs. Browse our Casserole Recipes for more oven-baked dishes.Variations
Add grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or mozzarella beneath the breadcrumb topping. Fresh thyme, basil, or oregano can be stirred into the tomato sauce. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. Find more inspiration in our Vegetarian Recipes and Side Dish Recipes.Wine Advice
A dry Provence Rosé complements the fresh tomatoes and zucchini. A light-bodied Beaujolais is a suitable red-wine alternative that will not overwhelm the vegetables.Nutrition values
Calories: 235 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 17 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 320 mg | Sugar: 7 g