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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.