Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato Gratin
Thinly sliced zucchini and tomatoes layered and baked in a light herb-infused sauce with a subtle crust. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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, thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds medium zucchini
- 3 medium, thinly sliced into 1/8-inch rounds ripe tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 10 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 10 chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Step 2: In a baking dish about 9x9 inches, arrange alternating layers of 2 thinly sliced zucchini and 3 thinly sliced ripe tomatoes, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom evenly.
- Step 3: Brush each layer lightly with the herb-olive oil mixture. After layering, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, followed by 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for a light crust.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato Gratin take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato 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 Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato 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 Low-Profile Zucchini and Tomato Gratin vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
