Ingredients
Zucchini Layer
- 2 to 4 zucchini, sliced into half moons about 1/4-inch thick (6 cups total)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Sauce
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 whole eggs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings and Garnish
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter. Place the sliced zucchini in the baking dish, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, toss gently to combine, and set aside to allow zucchini to release moisture.
- Combine the cream sauce ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup heavy cream, 3 whole eggs, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg until smooth and well blended.
- Add cheese and cream sauce: Spread half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the zucchini in the baking dish. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the zucchini and cheese, then scatter the 2 tablespoons of sliced butter evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the zucchini to cook and the flavors to meld while the casserole sets.
- Add cheese and continue to bake: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is browned and melted, and the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- You can add other herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the flavor to your liking.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all your spices and cheese are certified gluten-free.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
