Name: Summer Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini (thinly sliced); 2 medium yellow squash (thinly sliced); 2 medium tomatoes (sliced); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter; Fresh basil for garnish

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This Summer Gratin is the ultimate celebration of sunny afternoons and garden-fresh vegetables, packed with the irresistible flavors of zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and just the right amount of golden crunch on top. If you’re looking for a vibrant dish that’s as effortless as it is crowd-pleasing, this savory, cheesy bake is about to become your go-to answer for every summer gathering. Bursting with color, and layers of flavor, Summer Gratin brings together everything we love about the season—comfort, simplicity, and the joy of sharing honest food with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret to any great Summer Gratin, and every ingredient here truly shines. Each vegetable and seasoning has its own big role, coming together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts—you can’t skip one without missing its magic! Let’s break down what makes each component essential.

Zucchini: Sliced thin for perfect tenderness and a subtle, mellow flavor that balances the whole gratin.
Yellow squash: Adds sunny color and a light sweetness, making the bake more vibrant and flavorful.
Tomatoes: Juicy and bright, they provide a burst of acidity and color that elevates every bite.
Red onion: Thin slices mellow in the oven, lending their sweetness and a hint of sharpness.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but they perfume the whole dish with savory goodness.
Olive oil: Binds the veggies and helps everything roast up tender and rich.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and depth of all the vegetables.
Black pepper: For a touch of gentle heat and balance.
Dried thyme: This earthy herb ties all the summer flavors together seamlessly.
Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it forms an irresistible crust atop your Summer Gratin.
Panko breadcrumbs: For maximum crunch—these keep the top golden and light.
Melted butter: Mixed into the cheese and crumbs for rich flavor and perfect browning.
Fresh basil: A few sprigs over the top add freshness and an herby pop at the end.

How to Make Summer Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—a golden, bubbly Summer Gratin needs a nice hot oven. Lightly grease your favorite medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. This not only helps prevent sticking but also ensures every finished serving slides out beautifully.

Step 2: Toss the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine your zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Gently toss everything with your hands or a big spoon to coat every slice evenly. The aroma alone should have you excited for what’s to come!

Step 3: Layer Your Vegetables

Arrange the vegetables in your prepared dish, overlapping them slightly to create a shingled, rainbow-like pattern. Not only does this look absolutely stunning, but it also ensures even cooking and a fun mosaic effect once baked. It’s a mini art project every time.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover your gratin tightly with foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to steam and soften. This step locks in moisture and starts melding all those fresh flavors together into a harmonious whole.

Step 5: Craft and Add the Topping

While the veggies bake, stir together the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a small bowl. When the timer is up, take the dish out, remove the foil, and sprinkle this ultra-crispy topping generously over the vegetables. Trust me, this is what makes any Summer Gratin totally irresistible.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the uncovered dish back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden color on top—when the kitchen smells outrageous and you hear a soft sizzle, it’s ready! Remove and let it rest for a few minutes to set.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before bringing your Summer Gratin to the table, scatter fresh basil leaves across the top. The contrast of cool, aromatic basil against the hot, savory bake will send waves of applause around your dinner table—promise!

How to Serve Summer Gratin

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, nothing beats a handful of torn fresh basil. Adding basil right before serving brings color, a burst of freshness, and balances the gratin’s rich, baked flavors. If you want to take it up another notch, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even a few curls of lemon zest will make it even more lively and fragrant.

Side Dishes

Summer Gratin is endlessly versatile and plays well with others! Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish to turn it into a hearty main meal. For a lighter vegetarian spread, pair it with a green salad, some herbed rice, or a hunks of good crusty bread to soak up every last drop of juicy goodness from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking your Summer Gratin in individual ramekins for personalized servings at a dinner party—or stack the veggie slices vertically for a French-inspired tian look. It’s also beautiful as a buffet centerpiece, where guests can help themselves. No matter how you serve it, those colorful layers always steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Summer Gratin completely, then transfer leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can absolutely freeze Summer Gratin if needed. Portion it out and wrap tightly in plastic, followed by a layer of foil. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to two months—just know the topping might lose a bit of its crunch upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes for a portion), or microwave gently if you’re in a hurry. If the topping needs crisping, uncover during the last few minutes in the oven for a fresh blast of crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in my Summer Gratin?

Absolutely! While classic options keep it summery, you can easily swap in thinly sliced eggplant, red bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for new flavors and colors. Just make sure everything is sliced thinly for even cooking.

Is it possible to make Summer Gratin dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use a dairy-free grated cheese substitute and vegan butter for the topping. The dish remains flavorful thanks to all those gorgeous, herby vegetables—nobody will miss a thing.

Can I prepare Summer Gratin in advance?

You can! Assemble all the vegetable layers a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Top with cheese and panko just before baking for best results. Perfect for prepping before guests arrive.

How do I prevent a soggy gratin?

Slice your vegetables evenly and don’t skip the layering; overlapping helps release moisture gradually. If your tomatoes are extra juicy, you can even let them drain a few minutes before assembling.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For a crisp topping and perfectly heated veggies, reheat covered in a 350°F oven, then uncover for the last five minutes to re-crisp the crumb layer. It works like a charm every time!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the sheer joy of digging into a bubbling, golden Summer Gratin, now’s the time to make it part of your own kitchen story. It’s truly a dish to savor and share, whether you keep it simple or put your own creative spin on things. Grab those fresh veggies, invite your favorite people, and prepare to bask in the taste of summer—one delicious bite at a time.

Summer Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Summer Gratin recipe is a delightful medley of zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and onions, baked to perfection with a cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s a colorful and flavorful side dish that complements any summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Gratin:

2 medium zucchini (thinly sliced)
2 medium yellow squash (thinly sliced)

Tomato Layer:

2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)

Seasoning and Topping:

2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Layer and Bake: Layer the vegetables in the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, and melted butter. Remove foil, top vegetables with the mixture, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.