Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust is a must-try!

Name: Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust is a must-try!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups zucchini blossoms, cleaned and trimmed; 2 cups ripe tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Chef Hicham3 weeks ago

0 1 15 minutes read

Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust

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How to Make Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust

Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is a dish that will have your family asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

First things first, we need to prep our star ingredients. Start by cleaning and trimming those beautiful zucchini blossoms. Gently rinse them under cool water, being careful not to bruise them. Then, remove the stem and any excess leaves. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment!

Next, grab your ripe tomatoes. Slice them into even rounds—about a quarter-inch thick works best. The juiciness of the tomatoes will add a lovely flavor to our gratin, so don’t skimp on this step. You want those slices to be just right!

Step 2 – Begin Cooking

Now, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F. While it warms up, we’ll whip up our creamy mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, the red pepper flakes. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. The aroma of garlic and cream will make your kitchen smell divine!

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

Time to layer our ingredients in the baking dish! Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Now, layer half of the sliced tomatoes at the bottom of the dish. It’s like creating a beautiful canvas for our gratin!

Next, sprinkle half of the zucchini blossoms over the tomatoes. Don’t worry if they look a little messy; that’s part of the charm! Pour half of the creamy mixture over the veggies, ensuring everything is nicely coated. Repeat this process with the remaining tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, and cream mixture. It’s like building a delicious vegetable lasagna, but without all the fuss!

Step 4 – Finish and Serve

Now for the pièce de résistance—topping it all off with cheese! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens, folks! The cheese will melt and create that irresistible golden crust we all love.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil until they’re evenly coated. This will give our gratin that extra crunch. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer, and voilà! Your gratin is ready for the oven.

Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The anticipation will be almost unbearable, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once it’s done, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.

And there you have it! A stunning Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Introduction to Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust

Welcome to the world of comfort food, where simplicity meets elegance! Today, I’m excited to share with you a dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds: Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust. This creamy, cheesy gratin is perfect for busy women like us who want to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Picture this: it’s a hectic weeknight, and you’re juggling work, family, and maybe even a few errands. The last thing you want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s where this gratin comes in! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s packed with the vibrant flavors of summer.

What I love most about this Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust is how it showcases seasonal vegetables in a way that even the pickiest eaters will adore. The zucchini blossoms add a delicate touch, while the ripe tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. And let’s not forget that crispy Parmesan crust—oh, it’s simply irresistible! Your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll feel like a culinary rock star.

So, if you’re ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, grab your apron and let’s get started on this delightful gratin. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust

Let’s talk about why this Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust is a game-changer for busy women like us. First off, the prep time is a breeze—just 15 minutes! That’s less time than it takes to scroll through social media, right? You can easily fit this into your evening routine, even on those days when you feel like you’re running a marathon.

And cleanup? Oh, it’s a dream! With just one baking dish and a couple of mixing bowls, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to tackle after dinner. I don’t know about you, but after a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend an hour scrubbing pots and pans. This gratin allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without the post-dinner chaos.

Now, let’s chat about flavors. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to all ages. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family. I mean, who can resist that crispy Parmesan crust? It’s like a warm invitation to dig in! Plus, the combination of fresh tomatoes and delicate zucchini blossoms brings a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Your kids might even forget they’re eating their veggies!

Speaking of veggies, this gratin is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. Zucchini blossoms are often overlooked, but they’re a true gem in the culinary world. They add a unique flavor and a touch of elegance to your dish. And let’s not forget about those ripe, juicy tomatoes! They’re at their peak during the summer months, bursting with flavor and nutrients. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also supporting local farmers and eating healthier.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust checks all the boxes. It’s easy, delicious, and a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients for this scrumptious Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need:

Zucchini blossoms: These delicate flowers add a unique flavor and a touch of elegance to our gratin. If you can’t find zucchini blossoms, don’t fret! You can substitute them with thinly sliced zucchini or even spinach for a different twist.
Ripe tomatoes: The star of the show! Juicy, ripe tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and flavor. Look for tomatoes that are in season for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, just be sure to drain them well.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all love. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use part-skim mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The crispy topping wouldn’t be the same without it! Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
Heavy cream: This is what makes our gratin creamy and rich. For a lighter version, feel free to swap half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Garlic: A must-have for flavor! Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic can work too, but fresh is always best.
Dried oregano: This herb brings a lovely earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully. If you have fresh oregano on hand, use that instead for an even more vibrant taste!
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in our gratin. Adjust to your taste, especially if you’re using salted cheese.
Black pepper: A little kick to balance the creaminess. Freshly cracked black pepper is always a good choice for the best flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in! It’s totally optional, but it adds a nice zing.
Olive oil: Used for greasing the baking dish and mixing with breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. You can substitute it with melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These create that irresistible crispy topping. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for added texture.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust that your family will love. Remember, cooking is all about flexibility, so feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Let’s get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!

How to Make Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust

Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful Tomato & Zucchini Blossom Gratin with Parmesan Crust! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is a dish that will have your family asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!