ZUCCHINI GRATINE / GRATIN (VERDURE AL FORNO)

Zucchini Gratine / Gratin (Verdure Al Forno) image

Provided by KathyP53

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick (about 1 1/2 lbs)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
1/4 cup grated romano cheese (pregrated)
1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Coat bottom of 9X13" baking dish with EVOO. Arrange zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Okay if zucchini slices overlap.
Evenly pour 1/3 cup heavy cream and sprinkle with 1/3 cup mozzarella, 1/3 cup Fontina, and 2 tablespoons of Romano. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of bread crumbs. Repeat layers.
My own variation: Giada dotted bread crumb topping with cold butter. I suggest: Melt 4 tablespoons butter and blend with last 1/3 cup of bread crumbs to sprinkle over top of gratine. I don't like plain dry bread crumb toppings and I think the top will brown and crisp up much better this way.
Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place gratine on top and place in oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until bubbling and top is golden brown.