The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy, cheesy scalloped zucchini dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4-5 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps to create your own Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices, or a sharp knife if you prefer. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic as well.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange half of the sliced zucchini in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced onions, then pour half of the cheese sauce over the vegetables. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, onions, and cheese sauce.
- Add the Topping: If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dish. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the top is golden and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your preferences. Here are some tips and variations:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial dish, add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham between the layers of zucchini.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Use Other Vegetables: Substitute or add in other vegetables like thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, or yellow squash for a colorful and varied dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Food and Drink Pairings
Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and beverages:
- Main Course Pairings: Serve this dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or a juicy steak for a complete meal. It also pairs well with vegetarian mains like stuffed bell peppers or quinoa salad.
- Drink Pairings: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy cheese sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.