Zucchini Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy low-carb side dish featuring tender zucchini layered with rich cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. This french-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 42 minutes pairs zucchini, heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 27 min Serves 6 French cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding ends.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together heavy cream, 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, dried basil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Arrange half the zucchini slices in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, then pour half the cream mixture over them. Layer remaining zucchini and top with remaining sauce.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-28 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and zucchini is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden spots appear on top, then rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream take to make?

Total time is about 42 minutes (15 min prep + 27 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 Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream?

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 Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cheese Gratin with Herbed Cream 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.

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