Courgette Gratin
AI-generated image
Vegetarian French

Courgette Gratin

Tender courgettes baked beneath a savory garlic cream sauce and crisp golden cheese topping. This classic French-style gratin is substantial enough for a light main dish and elegant enough for a dinner party.

65 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 200°C. Grease a shallow 28 cm gratin dish with olive oil and place it on a baking tray to catch any bubbling sauce.
2
Toss the sliced courgettes with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and leave them in a colander for 15 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel; the slices should feel damp, not wet.
3
Whisk the cream, grated garlic, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and half of the thyme together in a bowl until evenly combined.
4
Arrange the courgette slices in overlapping rows in the prepared dish. Pour the cream mixture evenly over them, pressing gently so it runs between the slices.
5
Mix the Gruyère, breadcrumbs, and remaining thyme, then scatter the mixture evenly over the courgettes. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are bubbling, the courgettes are tender when pierced, and the topping is deeply golden.
Golden bubbling courgette gratin with a crisp Gruyère breadcrumb topping AI-generated image
6
Rest the gratin for 10 minutes so the cream settles, then spoon it onto warm plates and serve while the topping remains crisp.

Why this recipe works

Salting the courgettes concentrates their flavor, while a restrained cream sauce adds richness without overwhelming their delicate texture. Gruyère and breadcrumbs create a deeply savory, crisp finish.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within 2 hours, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to reheat it

Reheat individual portions in a 180°C oven for 15 to 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil, until hot throughout. Remove the foil for the final 3 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Nutrition / serving

353kcal
11.69 gprotein
15.47 gcarbs
28.13 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 15 Aug 2026 · updated 15 Aug 2026