Easy Tomato & Zucchini Gratin (full Recipe)

Light • Cozy • Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Food

This Tomato & Zucchini Gratin is simple, wholesome, and bursting with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors. Tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a golden cheesy topping come together in one comforting bake—perfect as a side or light main.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Seasoning & Oil

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for topping)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2️⃣ Season the Veggies

• In a large bowl, toss zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Oregano, thyme, and chili flakes

3️⃣ Assemble the Gratin

• Arrange the vegetables evenly in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.

4️⃣ Add the Crunch

• Mix breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Sprinkle over the cheese layer for a golden crust.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until:
  • Vegetables are tender
  • Top is golden and bubbly

👉 For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

 Nut & Allergy Information

• Nut-free
• Contains dairy (cheese)
• Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs

Easy Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
• Low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs entirely

Nutrition Highlights (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~200–240
• Low-carb & fiber-rich
• High in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants
• Mediterranean-diet friendly

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: Will zucchini release too much water?
A: Slice evenly and don’t overcrowd the dish. Optional: lightly salt zucchini and pat dry first.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Add:

• Chickpeas
• White beans
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Crumbled feta

Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Yes—light, filling, and low in calories while still comforting.

 Serving Ideas

• With grilled chicken or fish
• Alongside crusty bread
• Over quinoa or couscous
• As a vegetarian main with a side salad

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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