60 minutes
A creamy, flavorful gratin made with thinly sliced summer squash, fresh basil, and a rich blend of cream and half-and-half.
Summer Squash, thinly sliced
0 oz
Basil, chiffonade
bunch
to taste
to taste
0.25 fluid ounces
0.25 fluid ounces
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Squash
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash the summer squash, dry, trim the ends, and thinly slice into rounds.
2. Prepare Basil Chiffonade
Remove the basil leaves from their sprigs, stack them, roll into a bundle, and chiffonade into thin ribbons.
3. Assemble the Gratin
In a baking dish, arrange a third of the summer squash slices in an even layer. Sprinkle with some of the basil chiffonade, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Repeat layering twice more.
4. Add Cream and Half-and-Half
Pour the cream and half-and-half over the layered squash, ensuring the liquid covers the top.
5. Bake the Gratin
Bake in the preheated oven for about an hour, until the squash is tender and the top is golden-brown. Halfway through, press down the squash with a spatula to ensure even browning.
After slicing, lightly salt the squash and let it sit in a colander for about 20-30 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, which prevents the gratin from becoming watery and concentrates the flavors.
Allow the gratin to rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the dish set up slightly, so it's easier to serve, and the flavors have a moment to meld.
Opt for a mix of zucchini and yellow squash for a vibrant color contrast and a balance of flavors. Choose squash that are small to medium-sized; they tend to be more tender and flavorful than larger ones.
Utilize a combination of cheeses for added complexity—such as Gruyère for its nuttiness, Parmesan for its sharpness, and perhaps a bit of mozzarella for its meltability. A sprinkle of Pecorino Romano can also add a lovely salty punch.
Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano into the dish. Layering these herbs between the squash slices can infuse the entire gratin with aromatic flavors that complement the summer squash perfectly.
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