This creamy and cheesy zucchini gratin gets a delicious kick from pepper jack cheese. It’s a perfect low-carb comfort food side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, or fish.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients:
• 4 cups zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2-3 medium zucchini)
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp. butter
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. xanthan gum
Directions:
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cream Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, butter, garlic powder, and xanthan gum. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Assemble the First Layer: Arrange one-third of the sliced zucchini and onion in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with ½ cup of the shredded pepper jack cheese.
4. Repeat Layers: Create a second layer using another third of the zucchini and onion, season again, and top with another ½ cup of cheese. Repeat for a third and final layer with the remaining zucchini, onion, seasoning, and cheese.
5. Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the entire gratin.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.
Pro-Tips:
• Avoid a Watery Gratin: Zucchini holds a lot of water. For a thicker, creamier result, you can “sweat” the zucchini slices beforehand. Simply toss them with a teaspoon of salt, let them sit in a colander for 20-30 minutes, and then pat them dry with a paper towel before layering.
• Even Slices: Using a mandoline slicer will ensure your zucchini and onion slices are uniform in thickness, which helps them cook more evenly.
• Variations: Feel free to use a different cheese like sharp cheddar or Gruyère if you don’t want the spice. You can also add other low-carb vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers.
Nutrition Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Protein: 5.5g
