Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme
A low-carb alternative to traditional gratin, this dish layers tender zucchini with creamy Gruyère cheese and fresh thyme for a savory side. This french-inspired keto (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs shredded Gruyère cheese, heavy cream, softened unsalted butter 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
- 3, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds medium zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter, ensuring even coating.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently.
- Step 3: Layer half of the 3 sliced medium zucchini rounds evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese over the zucchini.
- Step 4: Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the cheese and zucchini layers.
- Step 5: Repeat with remaining zucchini slices, 3/4 cup Gruyère cheese, and the rest of the cream mixture.
- Step 6: Finish by sprinkling 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the gratin is bubbling, the cheese on top is golden brown, and zucchini is tender when pierced.
- Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the gratin to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme 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 Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme?
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 shredded gruyère cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme?
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 Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme 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 Zucchini and Gruyère Cheese Gratin with Fresh Thyme vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
