Skillet Zucchini Gratin
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 15 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Very low
PRESENTATION
When summer rolls around, this gratinated zucchini dish really becomes a staple on Italian tables. And you know what? It’s easy to see why. The trick? Cut the zucchini into small cubes and toast some breadcrumbs with thyme directly in a skillet—seriously good, no oven needed. This method gives you a crispy, golden topping that clings perfectly to the zucchini. Each bite is so so tender, balanced by a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumbs. Skillet zucchini recipe? Perfect for weeknight dinners or larger gatherings, and it pairs well with all sorts of dishes.
The thyme adds a hint of freshness, and the whole meal feels incredibly light, which is great for those hot Italian summers. Simple, easy foods are favored when the sun is blazing. Across Italy, you’ll often find this baked zucchini in skillet as a side dish. Thing is, the main idea is always the same: keep it moist and crispy without using the oven. The toasted breadcrumb topping? That's what sets it apart from other zucchini dishes like casseroles or traditional gratins. Way better.
Some folks toss in grated cheese or extra herbs, depending on what’s on hand. This lets you make it your own. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a vegetarian option, this dish brings a tangy flavor and lots of fresh texture to any meal. Even if veggies aren’t your thing, this cheesy zucchini skillet style might just win you over. Really, it’s one of those summer recipes that gives you more than you expect. With just a few everyday ingredients, you create something special. Pretty simple. That’s why it remains a favorite for Italian summer meals, capturing the heart of casual, home-cooked goodness. For real.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Zucchini 4 cups (500 g)
- Breadcrumbs ¼ cup (30 g) - finely ground
- Rustic breadcrumbs 4 tbsp (30 g)
- Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.5 oz (40 g)
- Thyme to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Garlic 1 clove
How to prepare Skillet Zucchini Gratin
To prepare the skillet zucchini gratin, in a bowl combine the fine and coarse breadcrumbs 1, then season with thyme 2 and salt 3.
Then mix everything together 4. In a skillet heat a drizzle of oil 5 and add the seasoned breadcrumbs 6.
Toast them over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until nicely browned and fragrant 7. Set aside and continue with the preparation. Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut them lengthwise 8 to separate the inner part from the skin 9.
Once you have the outer portions, cut them into cubes about 1 cm (3/8 in) or 1.5 cm (5/8 in) per side 10. At this point, heat a drizzle of oil with a clove of garlic in a skillet 11 and sauté the zucchini 12 over medium-high heat. It will take about 6–7 minutes to make them nicely golden and crispy.
Finally, when the zucchini are ready, turn off the heat, remove the garlic clove 13, season with salt 14 and add grated Parmesan 15.
Season with the toasted breadcrumbs 16, give one last stir to combine the flavors 17 and serve the skillet zucchini gratin immediately 18.