I remember the first time I tried making a courgette gratin. I had just picked up a bundle of fresh courgettes from the farmer’s market. Their vibrant green color made me feel like I was holding little bundles of sunshine. I wanted something comforting yet light, and that’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s version. It wasn’t just food-it felt like a little culinary hug.
- Food connects us to memories, nature, and creativity
- Jamie Oliver’s recipes are approachable yet packed with flavor
- Courgette gratin is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and subtly sweet
This dish is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually simple to pull off.
Jamie Oliver’s Courgette Gratin Recipe
I’ve always loved recipes that don’t require a culinary degree to master. Jamie Oliver’s courgette gratin is exactly that: easy to follow, but every bite feels indulgent.
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy but not overpowering
- Layers of tender courgettes that melt in your mouth
- Topped with golden breadcrumbs that add a perfect crunch
What makes it special is the combination of textures and the subtle freshness from the courgettes. It’s comfort food without feeling heavy.
Ingredients Needed
I once walked into my kitchen without checking my pantry first and realized I was missing almost everything. Lesson learned: always prep. For this gratin, you need a few fresh ingredients:
- Courgettes – 4 medium, thinly sliced
- Onions – 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh cream – 200 ml
- Milk – 100 ml
- Gruyère cheese – 100 g, grated
- Parmesan cheese – 50 g, grated
- Fresh thyme – a few sprigs
- Breadcrumbs – 50 g
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, and aroma. Skipping even one changes the dish noticeably.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Courgette Gratin
The first time I layered the courgettes, I felt like I was painting with vegetables. The process is meditative.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft
- Slice courgettes thinly, season with salt and pepper
- Layer courgettes and onions in a baking dish
- Mix cream and milk, pour over vegetables
- Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan over the top
- Add breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling
The smell as it bakes is incredible. It’s one of those aromas that makes you want to eat straight from the oven.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love thinking about why food works, not just how it tastes. Courgettes are mostly water, which makes them soft and tender when cooked.
- Cheese melts and binds the gratin, creating a creamy texture
- Breadcrumbs add Maillard reaction magic, giving that golden crust
- Cream and milk emulsify with cheese, preventing separation
- Garlic and onions add depth through caramelization
Understanding the science makes cooking feel like an experiment you can tweak with confidence.
Expert Tips
I learned a few tricks from trial and error that make this gratin flawless every time.
- Slice courgettes thinly for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing onions and garlic
- Use a mix of cheeses for balance between sharpness and creaminess
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving-flavors settle beautifully
These small tweaks make a big difference in taste and presentation.
Recipe Variations
I love experimenting with this dish. Once, I added sun-dried tomatoes, and it transformed completely.
- Add bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor
- Substitute Gruyère with cheddar for a sharper taste
- Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an aromatic twist
- Make it vegan by using plant-based cream and cheese
Variations keep the dish exciting and let you adapt to what’s in your fridge.
Final Words
Every time I make Jamie Oliver’s courgette gratin, I feel proud of the simplicity and elegance of the dish. It’s not just food-it’s a way to celebrate fresh ingredients.
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Impressive enough for guests
- Comforting yet light on the stomach
It’s proof that simple ingredients can create magic in the kitchen.
FAQs
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Courgette Gratin Recipe?
It’s a dish made with courgettes, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The courgettes are baked until tender and golden with a crispy, cheesy topping.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Courgette Gratin Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What Type Of Cheese Works Best For Courgette Gratin?
Jamie uses a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.