Are zucchinis keto friendly?

Yes, zucchinis are very keto-friendly with only 3g net carbs per cup. They’re rich in fiber and water, making them great for digestion.

What cheese goes best with zucchini?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and parmesan all pair well. Each adds its own layer of flavor and texture.

How many calories are in zucchini gratin?

One serving of cheesy keto zucchini gratin contains around 230 calories, depending on ingredients used.

Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe – The Best 1-Dish Low-Carb Recipe

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Table of Contents: Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Introduction to Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying low-carb side dish, this cheesy keto zucchini gratin recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with creamy cheese, thinly sliced zucchini, and a rich flavor profile, this dish delivers everything you love about comfort food—without knocking you out of ketosis. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or whipping up a cozy meal for one, this recipe brings both flavor and function to your keto table.

Looking for inspiration? Try Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe – Creamy & Delicious—it’s a dessert delight made with love!

Why Zucchini Gratin is the Perfect Keto Comfort Food

What Makes Zucchini Ideal for Keto Diets?

Zucchini is one of the most keto-compliant vegetables out there. It’s low in carbohydrates (about 3g net carbs per cup), rich in water content, and packed with fiber. This makes it excellent for blood sugar control and digestion—key concerns on the ketogenic diet.

Not only does zucchini blend well into savory dishes, but its mild taste also makes it the perfect vehicle for creamy, cheesy sauces.

The Role of Cheese in Low-Carb Recipes

Cheese brings rich flavor, satisfying texture, and high fat content—all keto essentials. In this gratin, cheese acts as both a flavor booster and a binder, replacing the need for carb-heavy breadcrumbs or flour-based sauces. Plus, it adds protein and makes every bite indulgent.

Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère? We’ll help you pick the right one in the next section.

Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe – The Best Low-Carb Comfort Dish

Author: Crystal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, cheesy, and low-carb zucchini gratin that’s the perfect side dish for any keto meal.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice zucchini and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let sit for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and pepper.
Add half of the cheddar and gruyere to the sauce, stirring until melted.
Layer zucchini in a greased baking dish.
Pour cheese sauce over the zucchini.
Top with remaining cheddar and gruyere.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To reduce moisture, salt and dry the zucchini well before layering. This helps avoid a watery gratin.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: keto, zucchini, gratin, low carb, cheesy

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Ingredients Breakdown for the Best Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Choosing the Best Cheese: Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère & More

Cheese is the star of the show in this keto gratin. Here’s how each variety brings its own flavor:

Cheese Type	Flavor Profile	Melting Ability	Best For
Cheddar	Sharp, savory	Good	Classic richness
Mozzarella	Mild, creamy	Excellent	Gooey texture
Gruyère	Nutty, complex	Excellent	Gourmet feel
Parmesan	Salty, aged	Medium	Topping & crispiness

We recommend combining cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for meltability.

Keto-Friendly Add-Ins: Bacon, Herbs, and Heavy Cream Options

You can boost flavor and richness with keto-friendly extras:

Heavy Cream: Adds fat and silkiness
Crispy Bacon Bits: Perfect salty crunch
Fresh Thyme or Basil: Brightens the dish
Crushed Garlic: Deepens the flavor profile

Don’t miss our Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe for Daily Energy for the perfect post-dinner pick-me-up.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Preparing Zucchini: Slicing, Draining, and Layering

Thinly slice 3–4 medium zucchinis into uniform rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Salt them generously and let them sit for 20 minutes in a colander to draw out moisture.

Pro Tip: Pat zucchini dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess in the final dish.

Layering Instructions:

Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
Add a layer of zucchini slices.
Pour a thin layer of cream and shredded cheese.
Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Baking Tips for a Golden Cheesy Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes
Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes
Broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top

Check out Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe for another comforting meal idea!

Nutritional Information and Macronutrient Breakdown

Calories in Zucchini Gratin: Full Nutrition Label

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (makes 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230 kcal
Fat	19g
Net Carbs	4g
Protein	8g
Fiber	2g

Carb Count and Keto Ratios Explained

At just 4g net carbs per serving, this gratin keeps you well within daily carb limits. The fat-to-carb ratio also supports ketosis, ensuring you stay on track.

Meal Pairing Ideas: What Goes with Zucchini Gratin?

Low-Carb Side Dishes That Complement It

Here are some delicious keto-friendly companions:

Cauliflower mash
Garlic butter mushrooms
Green beans almondine
Keto rolls

Protein Pairings: Chicken, Pork, or Steak?

This gratin shines when served alongside:

Grilled chicken thighs
Garlic butter steak
Pork chops
Roasted salmon

Don’t miss our Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe—the perfect dessert for after your keto meal (just enjoy in moderation!).

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips: Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

How to Store Leftovers Without Getting Soggy

Refrigerate in an airtight glass container
Place paper towels underneath to absorb extra moisture
Lasts 3–4 days

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
Avoid microwaving—makes it mushy
Use toaster oven for smaller portions

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Version: Jalapeños, Paprika, or Hot Sauce

Add a kick with:

Sliced jalapeños
Smoked paprika
A dash of cayenne or chili flakes

Dairy-Free & Vegan Alternatives That Still Taste Great

Replace cheese with:

Nutritional yeast
Vegan cheese (e.g., Daiya)
Coconut cream in place of dairy cream

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Zucchini Gratin Recipes

Why It Might Turn Out Watery (and How to Fix It)

Didn’t salt and drain zucchini properly
Added too much cream
Covered for too long during baking

Overbaking or Underseasoning: What to Watch For

Bake until edges are golden and bubbly
Don’t skip garlic, pepper, and herbs

Reader’s Favorites: Similar Keto Recipes You’ll Love

More Cheesy Keto Comfort Foods

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Keto Spinach Artichoke Bake

Top-Rated Keto Dinner Casseroles

Keto Eggplant Lasagna
Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Conclusion: Cheesy Keto Zucchini Gratin Recipe

Whether you’re keto full-time or just dabbling in low-carb meals, this cheesy keto zucchini gratin recipe is a total win. It’s creamy, flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything.

Check out Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe for Daily Energy to cap off your keto-friendly meal with a buzz!