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Home / Recipes / Kid Friendly

Easy Zucchini Au Gratin (Keto, Gluten-Free)

By Lisa MarcAurele · Aug 14, 2020 · 26 Comments

13.1K shares
Jump to Recipe
Low Carb, Keto, and Gluten-Free zucchini Au Gratin

An easy zucchini au gratin recipe that’s keto friendly and takes just minutes to prepare. It’s a healthier alternative to the high carb potato recipes.

zucchini au gratin on plate
Article Index
  • Is Zucchini Keto Friendly?
  • How to make a keto zucchini au gratin
  • Final cooking tips
  • Other Low Carb Zucchini Recipes
  • Recipe

A traditional au gratin dish is topped with breadcrumbs, along with cheese. Then it’s cooked until perfectly golden brown. But using zucchini and skipping the crispy topping makes it a fantastic low carb side dish.

Now, when most people think of au gratin, the dish that comes to mind is potatoes. But potatoes, in my opinion, are at the top of the list for being one of vegetables to avoid. That’s because the starch from potatoes can rapidly metabolize into sugar.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s not necessary to make a traditional-tasting au gratin dish with potatoes. Just sub it out for a healthier veggie like I do in this keto zucchini au gratin.

When replacing potatoes with a low-starch veggie, it sometimes help to partially cook the veggie first. And then, you can bake the low-starch veggie in the au gratin pan.

But before getting into the recipe, I want to tell you why I love cooking with this specific veggie.

adding zucchini

Is Zucchini Keto Friendly?

You bet! Zucchini is one of the best low carb vegetables. One medium-sized zucchini has about 6 grams of carb of which 2 grams are fiber. And since you would never eat a whole one, a serving should only add one or two grams net

If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, it’s definitely one of the best low-carb veggies for a keto diet. So without further ado, let’s get cooking….

zucchini in the cheese sauce

How to make a keto zucchini au gratin

If you want to feed your hungry family or a dinner party of 8, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee (clarified butter)
  • a couple cloves of garlic
  • either a tablespoon of onion flakes or 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh raw onion
  • a half-cup of almond milk if you want a lighter dairy footprint (or make it richer by adding heavy cream)
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (non-dairy cheddar cheese can work too) 
  • And last but not least, 2 medium zucchinis sliced.
adding grated cheese

To make it, the first thing you need to do is in an oven-proof skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, add the garlic and onion and cook until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.

At this point, you’ll want to add the almond milk (or cream). Place on simmer and continue to let it cook until it starts to boil. But don’t turn the stove top off just yet.

At this point, you’ll want to delicately and slowly add half the shredded cheese. Then stir until it melts.

Next, stir in the veggie. All the slices should be soaked and covered in the sauce. Stir frequently and cook on simmer setting for another 5 minutes.

Now it’s time to add the rest of the cheese. And the final step in preparing this zucchini gratin is baking it in the oven at 400 for about 20 minutes until the top is browned.

Oh yeah, and one more thing: enjoy!

zucchini gratin casserole baked

Final cooking tips

I tested out a dairy-free cheese in the recipe. But it didn’t melt well in the oven. I’d be curious if any of you have solutions to that.

The great thing about this zucchini au gratin dish is it’s gluten-free as there’s no bread crumbs. But I suppose seasoned crushed pork rinds could be used make it more of an authentic style dish and still keep it keto. You can also used crumbs from toasted keto bread.

Other Low Carb Zucchini Recipes

I use the veggie many of my recipes. Turkey Zucchini meatballs? Check. Zucchini nachos? Nailed it.

I’ve also transformed the nutrient-dense, low-calorie veggie into a healthier french fry, pizza slices, and cheese wedges. And I’ve of course created several recipes with it using zoodles like my zucchini noodle casserole.

Looking for another recipe to use up your zucchini? Check out my zucchini chicken casserole.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe

zucchini au gratin bowl and served on plate with fork

Zucchini Gratin

4.94 from 15 votes
An easy gratin recipe that's keto friendly and takes just minutes to prepare. It's a healthier alternative to the high carb potato au gratin recipes.
Prep Time:10 minutes mins
Cook Time:28 minutes mins
Total Time:38 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe View Collections
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 152

Video

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon onion flakes or 3 tablespoons chopped fresh
  • ½ cup almond milk or heavy cream for richer sauce
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In oven proof skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add the garlic and onion and cook until browned and fragrant.
  • Add the almond milk (or cream) and simmer until it starts to boil. Slowly add in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
  • Stir in the sliced zucchini until all are covered with the sauce. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Then bake in 400°F oven until top is browned (about 20 minutes).

Notes

I used dairy free cheese which didn't melt well in the oven. Real cheese should melt and get gooey while baking.

Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 152 | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 470IU | Vitamin C: 9.5mg | Calcium: 233mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Additional Info

Net Carbs: 2 g | % Carbs: 5.6 % | % Protein: 19.4 % | % Fat: 75 % | SmartPoints: 6
Values
Array
(
    [serving_size] => 1
    [calories] => 152
    [carbohydrates] => 2
    [protein] => 7
    [fat] => 12
    [saturated_fat] => 7
    [cholesterol] => 37
    [sodium] => 224
    [potassium] => 165
    [fiber] => 0
    [sugar] => 1
    [vitamin_a] => 470
    [vitamin_c] => 9.5
    [calcium] => 233
    [iron] => 0.4
    [serving_unit] => cup
)

Notes on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Copyright

© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

First Published: October 29, 2018...
Last Updated: August 8, 2019
« Low Carb Ice Cream - 15 Recipes For A Cool Treat
Keto Zucchini Bread - Gluten Free »

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa Michelle Sajevic

    September 16, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    5 stars
    Ohhhh my goodness! This is amazing!!! I quadrupled it because we have a big family of big eaters. Everyone loved it!!!
    I had be given so many zucchini I didn’t know what to do… well. I googled low carb zucchini and I got this. While scanning I saw a post for mock apple crumble. Hello???? Thank you!! I used half my zucchini up for dinner and dessert without breaking my bank, back or diet!! Thanks a million!

    Reply
  2. Linda

    August 10, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Lisa love your recipes. Would it be ok to share them with a small private group of my friends on our private group share recipes site?
    Linda

    Reply
    • Lisa MarcAurele

      August 10, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      You can email me at lisa@lowcarbyum.com to discuss.

      Reply
  3. Joyce Wade

    August 09, 2020 at 6:21 pm

    4 stars
    Lisa, I use a lot of your receipes and I have your book. I don't understand why those of you that write receipes say things like to medium zucchini etc..What does a sm., med., or large look like to you? We all see things differently. I wish you would all use measurements that are universal like so many cups, spoons etc. That I can know how to find. Don't intend this to be grumpy and you are not the only one who does this. It is just one of my pet peeves. Just think about it and Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Lisa MarcAurele

      August 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      Sorry about that! Medium zucchini yields about 2 cups. Small zucchini about 1.5 cups. I rarely use a large zucchini in recipes.

      Reply
  4. Lisa

    June 13, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. Ive made it about 10 times already. I always use garlic powder and onion powder because that's all I had at first so I always use that. I use butter and heavy cream. I usually make it as a side dish with roast pork tenderloin. It's just my favorite! Thanks!

    Reply
  5. carol paez

    September 18, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    Okay. So I am guessing the garlic cloves are to be chopped, minced, or crushed?

    Reply
    • Lisa MarcAurele

      September 18, 2019 at 9:42 pm

      Minced. I'll go in and add that.

      Reply
  6. Linda

    August 09, 2019 at 11:53 pm

    5 stars
    Oh yum! Can't believe it's a keto-friendly. This is definitely a recipe that will be on repeat weekly.

    Reply
  7. paleoglutenfreeguy

    August 08, 2019 at 5:01 pm

    5 stars
    Love it when you can make dishes (especially veggie dishes) both healthful and indulgent. This looks like total comfort food!

    Reply
  8. Zuzana

    August 08, 2019 at 1:36 am

    5 stars
    A perfect addition to our list. So many Zucchinis growing in the garden.

    Reply
  9. Jean Choi

    August 07, 2019 at 9:21 pm

    5 stars
    I've been swimming in zucchini these days so this is such a perfect recipe! What a great idea.

    Reply
  10. Hope

    August 07, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    Loving this low carb version of gratin. This is going on my menu for the weekend!

    Reply
  11. Erin

    August 07, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    I always eat the entire batch of potatoes au gratin and then just want to sleep the rest of the day! This is the right recipe for me. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Annemarie

    August 07, 2019 at 8:39 am

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! My kids don't normally enjoy zucchini, but the cheese might be just the thing to encourage them. 🙂

    Reply
  13. ChihYu

    August 07, 2019 at 12:33 am

    5 stars
    Zucchini and delicious, melty cheese! I'm in! And the prep is simple!

    Reply
  14. Megan Stevens

    August 06, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE the heavy cream version! 😉 My favorite veggie too! Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
  15. Raia Todd

    August 06, 2019 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    I absolutely love this. It's such a great way to get my kids to eat zucchini! Haha.

    Reply
  16. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

    August 05, 2019 at 10:53 pm

    5 stars
    I seem to always buy zucchini every week. It's so versatile! I can't wait to make this!

    Reply
  17. Joni Gomes

    August 05, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    5 stars
    I'm a sucker for a cheesy gratin! Love this healthy spin on it with the zucchini! Very summer appropriate!

    Reply
  18. Thom Davis

    November 15, 2018 at 4:05 am

    I think this would be a good substitute for a high carb side dish for Thanksgiving. Since zucchini aren't seasonal right now, do you think frozen would work? I could also see this working with yellow squash (fresh or frozen) maybe.

    Reply
    • Lisa MarcAurele

      November 15, 2018 at 8:08 am

      Yellow squash works great too. I'm not sure about frozen zucchini as it can be a lot softer than fresh. But you can certainly give it it a try.

      Reply
  19. monika

    November 13, 2018 at 9:19 pm

    Your wrote: (I haven’t personally used Daiya, the popular brand of vegan cheese substitute. If you do decide to use it please leave a comment on this post and let me know how it turns out and if you have to adjust the serving size.) BUT later in the post you wrote that your family used dairy-free cheese...
    So which is it and which cheese did YOU use?

    Reply
    • Lisa MarcAurele

      November 14, 2018 at 10:05 am

      I have used Daiya, but I like the So Delicious brand better. The first comment is an error.

      Reply
  20. Annette Gamble

    November 12, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    5 stars
    I read that you were trying to avoid dairy because of inflammation. Have you tried goat milk and goat cheese. My daughter was allergic to cow dairy but not goat milk, butter and cheese. It melts just like cow cheese.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      November 12, 2018 at 2:18 pm

      Yes. Goat milk doesn't have the same reaction and I'm pretty sure it's because it's an A2 casein in goat's milk whereas most cow milk is A1.

      Reply
4.94 from 15 votes

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