Easy Tomato & Zucchini Gratin (Light Mediterranean Bake)
This Easy Tomato and Zucchini Gratin is fresh, juicy, and lightly cheesy—perfect when you want something comforting but not heavy. Simple layers of zucchini and tomatoes bake into a tender, flavorful dish inspired by everyday Mediterranean cooking from Italy. It’s non-spicy, budget-friendly, and ready with minimal prep.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: ~45 minute
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2–3 medium tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Topping (choose one or mix):
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
Optional extras:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
A few slices of onion
Instructions
1. Preheat oven:
Preheat to 190°C / 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Prepare veggies:
Arrange zucchini and tomato slices in overlapping layers in the dish.
3. Season:
Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly.
4. Add topping:
Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs if using.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until vegetables are tender and the top is lightly golden.
6. Rest & serve:
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Tips & Variations
Extra creamy: Add a few spoonfuls of ricotta between layers.
Low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use only cheese.
Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese or just olive oil and herbs.
Make it a meal: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans before baking.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180 kcal
Carbs: 10 g
Fat: 12 g
Protein: 7 g
Fiber: 3 g