Herby Courgette & Tomato Gratin (Zucchini Al Forno): Your Ultimate Summer Dish

Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this absolutely gorgeous and effortlessly elegant Herby Courgette & Tomato Gratin. Lovingly known as Zucchini Al Forno in Italy, this dish is a celebration of seasonal bounty, bringing together the succulent sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the delicate freshness of courgettes (zucchini) in a beautifully layered bake. Inspired by traditional French gratins but given a lighter, brighter, summer twist, it’s my absolute go-to recipe for easy entertaining. Served alongside a selection of crisp summer salads and a basket of warm, crusty bread, it promises to impress your guests without demanding hours in the kitchen. The oven truly does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you more time to enjoy the sunshine and company.

While some traditional gratins might lean towards a richer, creamier profile, our version is distinctly summery – lighter, fresher, and bursting with Mediterranean charm. The secret ingredient that elevates this dish to an unforgettable experience is the luscious whipped Boursin cheese. Its garlicky, herby notes melt beautifully into the tender vegetables, adding a creamy indulgence that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. A final drizzle of fresh pesto ties all the exquisite flavors together, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthy goodness of the courgettes. This Zucchini Al Forno is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing the essence of a sun-drenched garden to your table.

Table of Contents

• Why This Gratin Will Become Your Summer Favorite
• Essential Ingredients for Your Zucchini Al Forno
• Smart Substitutions and Variations
• Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Zucchini Al Forno with Tomatoes
• Expert Cooking Tips for a Perfect Gratin
• Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Al Forno
• More Delicious Summer Recipes to Explore
• Herby Courgette & Tomato Gratin (Zucchini Al Forno) Recipe Card

Why This Gratin Will Become Your Summer Favorite

This Herby Courgette & Tomato Gratin isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to simple, delicious summer cooking. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Celebrates Summer’s Bounty: It’s the ultimate summer recipe, perfect for utilizing an abundance of garden courgettes and making the very most of those incredibly sweet, sun-ripened seasonal tomatoes. Every bite tastes like a warm summer day.
• Effortless Entertaining Elegance: This gratin is genuinely ideal for entertaining. It presents itself beautifully, looking far more intricate and impressive than the actual effort required. Plus, the significant advantage of being able to prep it ahead of time means less stress and more enjoyment when your guests arrive.
• A Delicious Way to Enjoy Vegetables: Tired of the same old steamed or roasted vegetables? This gratin offers a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying way to serve your greens. It transforms humble courgettes and tomatoes into a show-stopping side or a delightful main course.
• Dietary-Friendly & Adaptable: This recipe is naturally suitable for vegetarians, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of diets. Just ensure your pesto is Parmesan-free to keep it strictly vegetarian. For those following a plant-based diet, it can be easily adapted for vegans with a few simple substitutions, ensuring everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.

This Zucchini Al Forno is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug that embodies everything wonderful about summer dining – fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and shared joy.

Essential Ingredients for Your Zucchini Al Forno

For a comprehensive list of all ingredients, including precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the very bottom of this page.

To create this exquisite summer gratin, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special:

Key Components:

• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, round gems are vital for our homemade tomato sauce. Their intense sweetness and juiciness burst when cooked, creating a rich and flavorful base. For an equally delicious alternative, plump baby plum tomatoes work wonderfully.
• Garlic and Herb Boursin: This creamy, spreadable French cheese is truly the star that elevates this Zucchini Gratin. Its signature blend of garlic and fine herbs infuses the dish with an irresistible savory depth and a luxurious, smooth texture that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Courgettes (Zucchini): The backbone of our gratin! I love to use a mix of different colored courgettes – from dark green to striped and bright yellow – for visual appeal and a subtle variation in flavor. Thinly sliced, they become wonderfully tender and absorb all the beautiful flavors around them.
• Fresh Pesto: Whether you opt for a high-quality shop-bought version (I highly recommend the chilled varieties over jarred for superior freshness) or your own homemade pesto, this vibrant green sauce adds a bright, herbaceous finish. It introduces a wonderful aromatic layer that beautifully ties all the other ingredients together.
• Large Ripe Tomatoes: Beyond the cherry tomatoes for the sauce, you’ll need larger, ripe tomatoes for layering. These provide substance and another layer of fresh, tangy flavor to the gratin, complementing the courgettes.
• Fresh Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, fresh thyme adds a classic Mediterranean herb note to the courgettes before baking. Its subtle flavor pairs beautifully with both the tomatoes and the Boursin.
• Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, good quality olive oil is used generously for sautéing, seasoning the vegetables, and drizzling over the gratin for a golden finish.
• Double Cream (Heavy Cream): Essential for creating the incredibly light and fluffy whipped Boursin topping, providing a rich yet airy texture.
• Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic contributes a pungent, aromatic kick to the tomato sauce, building a foundational flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Used for garnishing and sprinkled into the tomato sauce, fresh basil provides a sweet, peppery aroma that is quintessential to summer dishes.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings are crucial to enhancing the natural flavors of the fresh vegetables.

Smart Substitutions and Variations

This Zucchini Al Forno recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for several clever substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Boursin Alternatives: While I wholeheartedly believe the creamy, garlicky Boursin truly makes this dish exceptional, if it’s unavailable, you have options. A soft goat’s cheese or feta, whipped with a touch of cream, could offer a similar tangy and creamy texture. To mimic Boursin’s characteristic flavor, you could incorporate a pinch of garlic granules and a medley of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill into your chosen cheese blend. Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler, lighter gratin, you could omit the Boursin entirely, letting the pure flavors of the vegetables shine.
• Tomato Choices: My preference for cherry tomatoes in the base sauce is due to their concentrated sweetness and ease of bursting to create a quick sauce. However, baby plum tomatoes are an excellent substitute with a similar flavor profile. For the sliced layers, feel free to use your favorite large, ripe tomatoes, sliced thinly. If fresh tomatoes are not perfectly in season for the sauce, a good quality can of diced or crushed tomatoes can be used for the base, reserving your freshest large tomatoes for the beautiful layers.
• Herb Alternatives (Thyme & Basil): Fresh thyme lends a delightful earthy aroma, but if you can’t find it or prefer a different flavor, dried herbs de Provence would be a fantastic, aromatic alternative. Fresh rosemary also offers a robust, piney note that pairs well with zucchini and tomato. And of course, fresh basil is almost indispensable for its sweet, peppery essence, but if unavailable, a good quality dried Italian herb blend could work in a pinch for the sauce, though fresh basil for garnish is highly recommended.
• Adding More Vegetables: For an even heartier and more colorful gratin, consider adding other thinly sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, thinly sliced onions, or even some spinach wilted into the tomato sauce.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the tomato sauce can introduce a lovely subtle heat, if you enjoy a bit of spice.
• Make it Vegan: To adapt this recipe for a plant-based diet, simply use Boursin Plant-Based Garlic & Herbs (which is widely available) and substitute the double cream with a vegan-friendly plant-based cream alternative. Ensure your pesto is also vegan (many contain Parmesan, so check the label or make your own with nutritional yeast).

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Zucchini Al Forno with Tomatoes

This visual guide provides a clear overview of the cooking process. For a fully detailed, printable recipe with precise instructions and measurements, please scroll down to the complete recipe card at the bottom of the page.

ONE: Prepare the Courgettes. Begin by thinly slicing your courgettes. A mandoline is an invaluable tool for achieving perfectly uniform, delicate slices, which ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Always refer to my “Cooking Tips” section below for essential advice on safe mandoline usage. If you don’t have one, a very sharp knife or the slicing attachment of a food processor can also work well.

TWO: Season the Courgettes. Transfer the thinly sliced courgettes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with good quality olive oil, ensuring every slice is lightly coated. Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sprinkle in the fragrant fresh thyme leaves, carefully plucked from their sprigs. Use your hands to gently toss and coat the courgette slices evenly with the oil and seasonings. This crucial step helps tenderize them and infuse flavor.

THREE: Prepare the Large Tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the large ripe tomatoes. Place these slices into a separate bowl and season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These slices will form beautiful, juicy layers within the gratin, so aim for even thickness.

FOUR: Create the Tomato Sauce Base. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, season them well, and cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and burst. Gently press them with the back of a wooden spoon to form a rustic sauce. Stir in the finely sliced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing its aroma to develop without browning. Tip this fragrant tomato sauce into your chosen oven-proof serving dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

FIVE: Begin Layering. Once your tomato sauce base is spread, sprinkle it with a little fresh basil. Now, it’s time to assemble your beautiful gratin. Carefully arrange two neat rows of seasoned courgette slices over the sauce. Next, take your seasoned tomato slices and spread a thin layer of the soft Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese onto one side of each slice. Arrange a neat row of these Boursin-spread tomato slices next to the courgette rows.

SIX: Continue Layering Until Full. Repeat the layering process, alternating between two rows of the seasoned courgette slices and one row of the Garlic and Herb Boursin-spread tomato slices. Continue this pattern diligently until your entire serving dish is beautifully filled, creating a stunning mosaic of colors and textures. This careful layering ensures every bite is packed with balanced flavors.

SEVEN: Bake the Gratin. Once your dish is fully layered, drizzle a final touch of olive oil over the top and season again lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the gratin into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the courgettes are wonderfully softened and the top layers have achieved a beautiful golden hue. The vegetables should be tender, and the flavors well-melded.

EIGHT: Prepare the Whipped Boursin. While the gratin is baking, prepare the luxurious whipped Boursin topping. In a food processor, combine the remaining 150g of Garlic and Herb Boursin (ensure it’s at room temperature for best results) with the double cream. Blitz for approximately 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth, light, and wonderfully creamy. The texture should be airy and easily spoonable.

NINE: Perfect Consistency. The whipped Boursin should have a smooth, airy, and creamy consistency, much like a thick, luxurious mousse. Transfer this delightful concoction into a small bowl, ready for garnishing. Its light texture will contrast beautifully with the tender vegetables.

TEN: Garnish and Serve. Once the Herby Courgette & Tomato Gratin emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant, it’s time for the final touches. Artfully place a few generous dollops of the freshly whipped Boursin over the warm gratin. Scatter a handful of vibrant fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma, and finish with a luxurious drizzle of fresh pesto. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Expert Cooking Tips for a Perfect Gratin

Achieving a perfectly textured and visually stunning Zucchini Al Forno is simple with these expert tips:

• Mastering the Mandoline for Thin Slices: My mandoline is one of my most cherished kitchen tools, making the task of slicing vegetables thinly and uniformly incredibly quick and easy. This uniform thickness is key for even cooking and a beautiful gratin. However, mandolines are extremely sharp and require careful handling. Always ensure the vegetable you are slicing has a flat, stable surface before you begin, and crucially, always wear a hand guard to protect your fingers. If you’re not comfortable with a mandoline, you can still achieve great results by using a very sharp knife to slice the courgettes as thinly and evenly as possible, or by utilizing the slicing attachment on your food processor.
• Embrace Your Assembly Style: While the detailed layering shown in the step-by-step photos creates a picture-perfect presentation, don’t feel pressured to make every layer absolutely precise. If you’re short on time or prefer a more rustic aesthetic, a slightly less rigid approach to assembly is perfectly fine. The most important aspect is to ensure the Boursin and vegetables are well-distributed throughout the dish, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes. The gratin will still roast wonderfully and taste absolutely delicious.
• Choosing the Right Dish: A 25.5cm (10-inch) pie dish or a similar-sized roasting tin with relatively high sides works best for this recipe, providing enough depth for layering and containing the juices. Ceramic or glass dishes are excellent as they conduct heat evenly and look lovely on the table.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (for sauce): When making the cherry tomato sauce, ensure you’re using a pan large enough so the tomatoes aren’t too crowded. This allows them to burst and caramelize slightly rather than just steam, intensifying their flavor.
• Room Temperature Boursin: For the whipped Boursin, ensure the cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency with the double cream, preventing any lumps.
• Rest Before Serving: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the gratin to rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven helps the layers set and the juices redistribute, resulting in a cleaner slice and more cohesive flavors.

More Delicious Summer Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Zucchini Al Forno, you’ll be delighted to discover other recipes that celebrate seasonal produce and easy, delicious cooking. Here are a few more favorites you might enjoy:

• Boursin Tomato Pasta: Another fantastic recipe that highlights the creamy goodness of Boursin, this Boursin Tomato Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Easy Courgette Lasagne: If you adore courgettes as much as I do, you absolutely must try my Easy Courgette Lasagne. It’s a lighter, fresher take on the classic, swapping out pasta sheets for thinly sliced zucchini.
• Homemade Pesto: This gratin is beautifully complemented by a drizzle of fresh pesto. If you’re inspired to make your own from scratch, my Pasta al Pesto recipe post provides all the details and tips for crafting the perfect vibrant green sauce.

And for even more inspiration, explore these related courgette and Italian-inspired dishes: