Julia Child’s Zucchini Gratin Recipe
Julia Child’s Zucchini Gratin Recipe is a classic French dish that is creamy, cheesy and full of flavor. Sliced zucchini is baked with a rich cream and cheese topping until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash zucchini and slice into thin, even rounds. Even slices help cook the zucchini evenly and absorb the sauce.
Make the Cream Mixture
- In a saucepan, warm heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, pepper and optional nutmeg. Stir occasionally until lightly thickened.
Layer the Zucchini
- Arrange half of the zucchini slices in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle a portion of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese on top.
Add More Layers
- Add remaining zucchini slices. Pour cream mixture evenly over the zucchini. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top for a golden crust.
Bake the Gratin
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Slice zucchini evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Lightly pre-cook zucchini in the microwave for extra creamy results.
- Season each layer of zucchini for balanced taste.
- Let the gratin rest 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.