Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This zucchini au gratin is everything you love about a gratin—rich, creamy, and full of melty cheese—without the carbs from potatoes. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and bakes to perfection with tender zucchini slices swimming in a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle or just looking to eat more vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
zucchini (thinly sliced)
salt (for drawing moisture from zucchini)
butter
garlic (minced)
heavy cream
cream cheese
cheddar cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
black pepper
optional: nutmeg or mustard powder for added depth
optional topping: crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crunchy crust
fresh herbs (thyme or parsley, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Thinly slice zucchini and place in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cheddar and half the Parmesan. Stir until melted. Season with black pepper and optional nutmeg or mustard powder.
- Layer zucchini slices in the baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and optional topping (crushed pork rinds or almond flour).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired for extra browning.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Cheese Options: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Extra Veggies: Add thin slices of yellow squash, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream, butter, and cheese alternatives.
- Vegan Version: Replace cream and cheese with cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Why is my zucchini au gratin watery?
Zucchini contains a lot of moisture. Salting and draining it before baking helps reduce water content and prevent a soggy dish.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Yellow squash, eggplant, or cauliflower work well in place of or alongside zucchini.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the skin is tender and adds color and texture. Just wash it well before slicing.
How do I slice zucchini thinly?
Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for even, thin slices that cook uniformly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in fat, perfect for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
What can I serve this with?
Grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or even as a vegetarian main with a side salad.
Can I skip the cream cheese?
You can, but it adds extra richness and helps thicken the sauce.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Use crushed pork rinds or bake uncovered and broil at the end for a golden, crispy finish.
Conclusion
Low-Carb Zucchini Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. With tender zucchini and a rich, melty cheese sauce, this dish delivers all the flavor of traditional gratin without the carbs. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a new favorite on your table.
PrintLow-Carb Zucchini Au Gratin
Low-Carb Zucchini Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that transforms zucchini into a rich and satisfying bake. Perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles, it’s loaded with flavor but light on carbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Low-Carb / Keto / American
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing moisture)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- Optional topping: 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
- Place zucchini slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 20–30 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar and half the Parmesan. Stir until melted. Season with pepper and optional nutmeg or mustard powder.
- Layer zucchini slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the top and spread gently.
- Top with remaining Parmesan and optional crunchy topping (pork rinds or almond flour).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning, if desired.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for thin, even zucchini slices.
- Be sure to salt and dry zucchini well to avoid excess moisture.
- Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or chicken for a heartier dish.
- Use Gruyère, gouda, or mozzarella for different cheese flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: undefined
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: undefined
