Description
A vibrant and cheesy Summer Squash Tomato Gratin that layers fresh yellow squash, heirloom tomatoes, shallots, and bell peppers, topped with a crispy golden crust of panko breadcrumbs and melted gruyere cheese. This baked dish is perfect as a comforting side or light main course during warm-weather meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 yellow squash, sliced into coins
- 2 large or 3 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the gratin.
- Layer Summer Squash: Arrange the sliced yellow squash coins evenly along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Season and Sprinkle: Lightly sprinkle some kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the squash layer, then add a small amount of panko breadcrumbs followed by a portion of the shredded gruyere cheese for flavor and texture.
- Add Tomato Layer: Lay the sliced heirloom tomatoes over the squash, continuing to layer with the remaining salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and cheese to build rich, seasoned layers.
- Add Bell Peppers and Shallots: Evenly scatter the diced orange bell pepper and thinly sliced shallots across the tomato layer for added sweetness and aroma.
- Top with Seasonings and Cheese: Finish by sprinkling the remaining kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded gruyere cheese over the top to create a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the panko topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve or Store: Serve the gratin immediately for the best texture or refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days.
Notes
- You can substitute gruyere cheese with mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor.
- For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- Make sure to slice the vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
