Spicy Cheesy Zucchini Gratin
This Spicy Cheesy Zucchini Gratin is a delightful twist on classic scalloped dishes featuring fresh zucchini or yellow squash. Combining the creaminess of jalapeno dip with the gentle sweetness of sautéed onions, this dish is topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese that melts to perfection. It's an easy-to-make, flavorful vegetable side that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Optional crushed potato chips add an irresistible crunch, making it a versatile recipe you can customize to your liking. Perfect for any meal or gathering!
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini or Yellow Squash
2 (sliced thin)
Small Onion
1 (chopped)
Gandy's Jalapeno Dip
6 (tablespoons)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1/3 (cup, shredded)
Olive Oil Flavored Cooking Spray
to taste (for sautéing)
Garlic Powder
to taste (for seasoning)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Crushed Potato Chips
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium skillet, generously spray with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
3
Add the thinly sliced zucchini (or yellow squash) and chopped onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
4
Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Transfer the sautéed zucchini and onion mixture to a small casserole dish. Stir in the Gandy's jalapeno dip until fully combined.
6
Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. If desired, during the last 5 minutes of baking, you can sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top for added crunch before adding the cheese.
7
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spicy cheesy zucchini gratin!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
7.5
Carbs
4
Protein
1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cheesy Zucchini Gratin?
It is a flavorful vegetable side dish featuring sliced zucchini or yellow squash baked with jalapeno dip, onions, and Monterey Jack cheese.
What vegetables can I use for this recipe?
You can use either fresh zucchini or yellow squash, or a combination of both.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced thin before sautéing.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the thinly sliced zucchini and chopped onion for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
What seasonings are added during sautéing?
Sprinkle the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder while they are in the skillet.
What provides the creaminess and spice in this dish?
The creaminess and spicy kick come from adding 6 tablespoons of Gandy's jalapeno dip.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Can I add a crunchy topping to the gratin?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top during the last 5 minutes of the first baking stage.
How long is the initial baking time?
The mixture should bake for an initial 25 minutes before adding the cheese topping.
How long is the final bake after adding cheese?
Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This dish contains approximately 90 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this zucchini gratin?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What type of cooking spray is recommended?
An olive oil flavored cooking spray is recommended for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a vegetable side dish.
Can I use a small onion for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one small onion, chopped.
How do I know when the gratin is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is the garlic powder measured out?
The garlic powder, salt, and pepper are added to taste.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What makes this dish a 'gratin'?
It is considered a gratin because it is baked in a shallow dish and topped with cheese and optional breadcrumbs or chips to form a crust.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe includes 8 total ingredients, including seasonings and optional toppings.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy-to-make recipe.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow squash is a perfect substitute or addition to this recipe.
What is the specific brand of dip mentioned?
The recipe uses Gandy's Jalapeno Dip.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy from the dip, gooey from the cheese, and tender from the sautéed vegetables.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A small casserole dish is suitable for this amount of ingredients.
Does this dish have a spicy flavor profile?
Yes, the use of jalapeno dip gives the dish a delightful spicy twist.