Sunshine Summer Squash Gratin with Herby Crumble

Looking for easy summer squash recipes? This Sunshine Summer Squash Gratin is creamy, cheesy comfort food with a summery twist! Get my simple recipe now.

May 31, 2025
By Marcus O’Neill.

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Right then, let's dive into something proper delicious! Remember those long summer days? I've got the perfect dish to bring back those vibes.

Sunshine in a Dish: Summer Squash Recipes

Ever wondered what to do with all that yellow squash piling up in your garden? i hear you, mate. this sunshine summer squash gratin is exactly what you need.

Honestly, it's a game-changer. think creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy, herby top.

It’s like summer on a plate.

What’s the Story Behind This Bake?

Gratins are classic comfort food, right? this one is a summery twist. it's got tender summer squash , like courgette and yellow bumpy squash recipes layered in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden crumble.

It's like a mediterranean holiday, but made at home. this is one of the most fresh eating recipes i've tried recently.

And don't be scared of the cooking levels, this recipe is easy to make, only easy side items for dinner .

This recipe is so easy to make, it only takes around 25 minutes to prepare. the cooking itself is about 35 minutes, so it will all be ready in 1 hour.

This recipe will make around 6-8 servings, perfect for your family.

Why You'll Love This Gratin

This isn’t just another boring side dish. the squash gives you a good dose of vitamin c. this is a perfect summer foods dinner , maybe alongside a barbecue or sunday roast.

What makes it special? that herby crumble. it just elevates the whole dish. i have tried to make zucchini zoodles but this is more refined, and more palatable for everyone.

Speaking of special, there's a funny story about the first time i made this. i was rushing about, forgot the garlic powder in the crumble, and honestly? no one even noticed.

That's how good it is. you can even make baked yellow squash recipes .

Let's get the lowdown on what you'll need.

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up my sunshine summer squash gratin! honestly, it’s easier than making a cuppa, i promise.

This summer squash recipe, packed with fresh eating recipes , is a proper crowd-pleaser.

Sunshine Summer Squash Gratin with Herby Crumble Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (approx. 200g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (5ml)
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed (2.5ml)
• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (approx. 400g)
• 2 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced (approx. 400g)
• 1/2 tsp salt (2.5ml)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (1.25ml)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (350ml)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese (25g)
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (80g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (30g)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (10g)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives (5g)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (1.25ml)

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add thyme and rosemary. Add zucchini and yellow squash. Cook until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, and nutmeg.
• In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, parsley, chives, and garlic powder. Mix well.
• Spread half of the squash mixture evenly in the baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the squash. Repeat layers.
• Sprinkle the herby crumble topping evenly over the gratin.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

First up, the stars of the show. You need:

• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil for sautéing. Nothing fancy, just your everyday stuff.
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 200g). Don't skimp on this, it gives great flavour!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (around 6g). Fresh is best, innit?
• 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme and 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary, crushed. That's some lovely herbs there, love!
• 2 medium zucchini and 2 yellow squash, thinly sliced. Both should be roughly 400g. Look for firm, smooth squash. Avoid the yellow bumpy squash recipes ingredients!
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt and 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper. Seasoning is key!

Next, that creamy sauce. Get this lot:

• 1 1/2 cups (350ml) heavy cream. Full fat, yeah? None of that light rubbish.
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. Proper Italian Parmesan, if you can get it.
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Gruyere cheese. It makes the thing a bit sophisticated, like.
• A pinch of nutmeg. Don't go overboard, just a wee bit.

And finally, the herby crumble. You'll need:

• 1 cup (80g) panko breadcrumbs. For that lovely crunch.
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese. More cheese, why not?
• 2 tbsp (30g) melted unsalted butter.
• 2 tbsp (10g) chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp (5g) chopped fresh chives. The fresher, the better!
• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) garlic powder.

Seasoning Notes

• Thyme and rosemary are the core of that herby flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, chuck in a bit of oregano or basil.
• Nutmeg in the cream sauce adds a warm, subtle sweetness. Try a tiny bit of mace for a similar vibe.
• No Gruyere? Use a good mature cheddar! It’s still delicious.

I know, dinner ideas with squash can be a bit boring, but this gratin is anything but! I had a right mare finding good Gruyere last time I made this, you know? Ended up using Red Leicester, and honestly, it was banging!

Equipment Needed

Right, gear time:

• A large skillet or sauté pan. For softening them veggies.
• A 9x13 inch baking dish.
• A few mixing bowls.
• A grater.
• A sharp knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don’t have a fancy baking dish? no worries! a metal cake tin will do in a pinch. a good potato peeler is all you need to make them zucchini zoodles too! this easy side item for dinner uses minimal tools.

Give those Baked Yellow Squash Recipes a go! This gratin is a cracking way to use up your summer foods dinner ingredients!

Right then, let's get this show on the road! i'm buzzing to share this sunshine summer squash gratin with herby crumble recipe.

Honestly, it's a belter – proper comfort food with a summery twist. it's perfect as easy side items for dinner, or even as the main attraction.

So, if you're looking for dinner ideas with squash , you've hit the jackpot.

Sunshine Summer Squash Gratin: A Burst of Summer Flavours

This summer squash gratin is all about celebrating summer foods dinner . it combines tender yellow squash and zucchini in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped off with a golden, herby crumble.

Fancy a taste of a fresh eating recipes , my friend? let's make it happen.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place, it's that important:

• Finely slice 1 large yellow onion.
• Mince 2 cloves of garlic. No one likes big chunks of garlic.
• Thinly slice 2 medium zucchini and 2 medium yellow squash recipes . A mandoline is your best mate here.
• Grate 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese.
• Chop 2 tbsp parsley and 1 tbsp chives.

Time-Saving Tip: Get all your slicing done ahead of time. It’ll make the whole process smoother than a pint of Guinness.

Sunshine Summer Squash Gratin: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness

Here’s how to turn those ingredients into something truly special. Honestly, it's simpler than brewing a cuppa!

1. Sauté the Veg: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary. Add zucchini and yellow squash. Cook for about 8 minutes , until slightly tender. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup Gruyere, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp chives, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Layer It Up: Spread half of the squash mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the squash. Repeat layers.
5. Crumble Time: Sprinkle the herby crumble topping evenly over the gratin.
6. Bake It: Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool slightly : Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Gratin

• Crispy Top: For an extra crispy topping, whack the gratin under the broiler for the last 1- 2 minutes . Keep a hawk eye on it – don't want any burning!
• Cheese Matters, Mate: Good quality Parmesan and Gruyere make all the difference. Treat yourself!
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the gratin a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10- 15 minutes to the baking time.
• Ever thought of making Zucchini Zoodles ?

Right, there you have it. a baked yellow squash recipes dish that's easier than it looks. so grab your apron, get cooking, and tuck in.

It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! this gratin gives you a tasty alternative to using yellow bumpy squash recipes , if you're not keen on the texture.

Plus, it's a cracking way to get your veggies in!

Right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of making the perfect summer squash gratin, shall we? these are the little tips and tricks i've picked up along the way.

Honestly, these are the bits that can make or break a recipe, you know?

Recipe Notes: Gratin Gold

Serving's Up! Proper Plating, Mates!

Listen, how you plate something really does make a difference. for this summer squash gratin, i like to scoop a generous portion onto a plate and garnish it with a sprig of fresh parsley.

It’s simple, but effective. for a more substantial meal, serve this alongside some grilled chicken or fish. it's also gorgeous with a simple green salad.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine, like a pinot grigio, cuts through the richness nicely. a study showed that proper plating can increase the perceived taste by up to 40%! who knew?

Storing Secrets: Keep it Fresh, Love!

Now, if you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), you’ll want to store them properly. once it's cooled down, pop your gratin in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3 days, tops.

Freezing? hmm, i wouldn't recommend it. the cream sauce can get a bit… weird. reheating is easy. just microwave it until it's piping hot, or whack it back in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until it's bubbly again.

Make sure it's heated through! nobody wants a dodgy tum, right?

Variations Galore: Jazz it Up!

Fancy a bit of a change? You got it!

• Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of cream. And to make it gluten-free, swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Easy peasy.
• Seasonal Swaps: As we transition to autumn, you can add a bit of butternut squash. That would make some lovely dinner ideas with squash.

Nutrition Nuggets: Good for You, Too!

Right, let's talk numbers. this summer squash gratin isn't just delicious, it's got some goodness in it too! each serving clocks in at roughly 350 calories, 12g of protein, 25g of fat, 20g of carbs, 3g of fiber and 5g of sugar.

Plus, summer squash is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It's a cracking way to get your veggies in.

So there you have it! my summer squash recipes are simple to make and delicious to eat. you can change the ingredients and have endless possibilities of yellow squash recipes.

It's a great way to use up all those gorgeous vegetables and have fresh eating recipes, from baked yellow squash recipes to yellow bumpy squash recipes.

Give this sunshine summer squash gratin recipe a whirl and let me know what you think. happy cooking, my loves! this is one of the easiest easy side items for dinner that you can try in the summer foods dinner .

You can even transform the squash into zucchini zoodles . it's that easy!.