Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin
This Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin is a delightful and vibrant side dish, perfect for those who relish the fresh taste of zucchini. Bursting with flavors from fresh mushrooms, sweet red onions, and juicy tomatoes, this dish is topped with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy topping that will complement your baked chicken and potatoes beautifully. Easy to prepare and cook alongside your main dish, it's a wholesome addition to any meal that highlights the best of summer vegetables.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 cups (cubed (do not peel))
Red Onion
1 medium (peeled and sliced thinly)
Fresh Mushrooms
2 cups (sliced)
Tomatoes
2 large (coarsely chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Oregano
2 teaspoons
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly grated)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated, divided)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2
In the greased casserole dish, combine the cubed zucchini, sliced red onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, and freshly grated black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated in the spices.
3
Stir in 1 cup each of the grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until well incorporated into the vegetable mixture.
4
Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the vegetables.
6
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin?
It is a vibrant vegetarian side dish made with zucchini, fresh mushrooms, red onions, and tomatoes, topped with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin is a vegetarian dish.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the gratin take to bake?
The dish should bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the recipe specifies using 4 cups of cubed zucchini without peeling them.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
How much cheese is required in total?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of sharp cheddar and 1 1/4 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Is the cheese added all at once?
No, the cheese is divided: 1 cup of each is mixed into the vegetables, and the remaining 1/4 cup of each is sprinkled on top.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or butter before adding the ingredients.
How many mushrooms are needed for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced thinly.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What seasoning is used for the vegetables?
The vegetables are seasoned with 2 teaspoons of oregano and freshly grated black pepper to taste.
Can I substitute the red onion with yellow onion?
While the recipe calls for red onion for its sweetness, a yellow onion can be used as a substitute if needed.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?
Keep a close eye on the baking time and remove the dish as soon as the cheese is golden and the 30-minute mark is reached.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the gratin should be baked uncovered to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
What should I serve with Cheesy Zucchini Mushroom Gratin?
It pairs beautifully with baked chicken and potatoes.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that highlights fresh summer vegetables.
How do I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be cubed into bite-sized pieces without removing the skin.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
While specific nutritional data is not provided, it contains protein from the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of oregano, which can be dried or fresh depending on your preference.
Should the cheese be freshly grated?
While not strictly required, freshly grated cheese often melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your casserole dish.
How do I ensure the spices are evenly distributed?
Mix the cubed zucchini, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and spices well in the casserole dish before adding the cheese.
What should I do after removing the gratin from the oven?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the cheese set.
Is there a specific way to layer the vegetables?
No, the vegetables are combined and mixed together rather than layered.
How do I smooth the top of the gratin?
Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish before adding the final layer of cheese.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It is tagged as healthy and focuses on fresh vegetables, though it does contain a significant amount of cheese.
What size should the casserole dish be?
The recipe recommends using a large casserole dish to accommodate the 4 cups of zucchini and other vegetables.