Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin
A creamy, cheesy gratin made with thinly sliced zucchini, baked until golden and bubbly. This low-carb side dish is perfect for keto dinners. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium zucchini, grated Gruyere cheese, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup, grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with 2 tbsp butter.
- Step 2: Slice 2 medium zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange in a single layer in the dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper over the zucchini.
- Step 4: Whisk 1/4 cup heavy cream with the remaining 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the zucchini, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly around the edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Zucchini and Gruyere Gratin low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved this for dinner! The zucchini was perfectly cooked and the Gruyere melted beautifully. My keto family devoured it.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to keto side dish. The Gruyere gave it a rich, cheesy flavor that complemented the zucchini perfectly.
- ★★★★☆
Great for a weeknight meal. My kids (who are on keto) loved it. Only issue was the baking time was off by 10 minutes.
