Creamy Potato and Zucchini Gratin
Indulge in this delectable Creamy Potato and Zucchini Gratin, where tender layers of Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh zucchini unite in a flavorful dish. This recipe combines caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and ricotta to create a rich, savory filling that perfectly complements the simplicity of these vegetables. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, this Gratin is bound to impress your family and friends with its inviting aroma and delicious presentation. Perfect for gatherings or an everyday meal, it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors.
6
Servings
67
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon Gold potatoes
3 (medium, thinly sliced)
Zucchini
2 (thinly sliced)
Onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (for caramelizing)
Goat cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup (softened)
Crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (for flavor)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Reduced-fat milk
3/4-1 cup (for pouring)
Seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
Butter
1 tablespoon (cubed, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2
In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are tender.
3
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the caramelizing onions. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
5
Begin layering the casserole by placing a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Follow with a layer of zucchini, creating an alternating pattern until the bottom of the dish is filled. Season the vegetables lightly with salt and pepper as desired.
6
Dollop one-third of the goat cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of vegetables. Then, spread half of the caramelized onions on top.
7
Repeat the layering process two more times: potato, zucchini, goat cheese, and onions, ending with the remaining goat cheese mixture on top.
8
Pour the reduced-fat milk evenly over the assembled layers, ensuring it seeps into the vegetables. Top the dish with seasoned dry bread crumbs and sprinkle the cubed butter evenly across the surface.
9
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. For a crispier top, you may increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Potato and Zucchini Gratin?
It is a savory vegetarian casserole featuring layers of Yukon Gold potatoes, zucchini, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and ricotta.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when thinly sliced.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 67 calories.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the onions for the gratin?
Sauté sliced onions in olive oil for 5-7 minutes, then add sugar and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 8-10 minutes until caramelized.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a mixture of 4 ounces of softened goat cheese and 1/4 cup of fat-free ricotta cheese.
How do I layer the vegetables?
Start with a layer of potatoes, then zucchini, then a dollop of the cheese mixture, and finally half of the caramelized onions.
How many times should I repeat the layers?
The layering process is repeated three times, ending with the cheese mixture on top.
What liquid is poured over the assembled layers?
Between 3/4 and 1 cup of reduced-fat milk is poured evenly over the dish.
What is used for the topping?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of seasoned dry bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon of cubed butter.
How long should the gratin be baked while covered?
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
How long does it bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
How can I make the top extra crispy?
You can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 5 minutes of baking.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9 x 13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 2.5g of protein.
Do I need to add sugar to the onions?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is used to help the onions caramelize.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the onions?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing.
How many zucchini are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 zucchini, thinly sliced.
How many potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a hint of flavor.
Can I use regular ricotta instead of fat-free?
Yes, though it will slightly increase the calorie and fat content.
What is the purpose of the milk in this recipe?
The milk ensures the vegetables cook through and adds to the creamy texture.
Should the goat cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the goat cheese makes it easier to combine with the ricotta.
Is garlic used in this dish?
Yes, 2 minced garlic cloves are added to the onions for extra flavor.
What tags describe this recipe?
It is described as a casserole, vegetarian, comfort food, and cheesy baking recipe.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is ideal as both a side dish or a light main course.