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Comforting Layered Vegetable Gratin Recipe with Crispy Cheese Topping

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A cozy and nourishing layered vegetable gratin featuring zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and a crispy mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs, preferably panko (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice the zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onion into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  3. In a bowl, combine sliced onion and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while prepping other vegetables.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  5. Start layering the vegetables: place zucchini slices slightly overlapping, sprinkle with salt, thyme, and drizzle olive oil.
  6. Layer eggplant slices next, followed by the onion and garlic mixture, then tomato slices. Repeat layers until all vegetables are used, finishing with a tomato layer on top.
  7. Pour the heavy cream or milk evenly over the layered vegetables (optional).
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then add Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs if using.
  9. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the gratin bubbles around the edges and the cheese topping is golden and crispy. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  10. Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

If eggplant is bitter, sprinkle slices with salt and let sit 15 minutes before rinsing and drying. Use a mandoline for even slicing. Watch the cheese topping closely near the end of baking to prevent burning. Let the gratin rest after baking for better slicing. For gluten-free, omit bread crumbs or use gluten-free panko. Vegan substitutions include plant-based cheeses and plant milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable gratin, layered vegetable dish, cheesy gratin, zucchini gratin, eggplant gratin, comfort food, easy dinner, crispy cheese topping

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/comforting-layered-vegetable-gratin-recipe-with-crispy-cheese-topping-easy-and-delicious/