Share This
The end of summer is fast-approaching and now is the time to enjoy nature’s bounty of tomatoes and squash. All you need are some easy-to-find ingredients and you can make yourself this tasty Heirloom Tomato & Summer Squash Gratin. With each bite you’ll find that these complimentary flavors meld perfectly together to create a symphony in your mouth. Enhance your experience by pairing the dish with our Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris.
Why Heirloom Tomatoes and Summer Squash Make the Perfect Pair
Heirloom tomatoes and summer squash are basically summer’s dream team. The tomatoes bring juicy, tangy brightness that wakes up your taste buds, while the squash adds a tender, subtly sweet backdrop that lets the tomatoes steal the show without feeling lonely on the plate. Their colors and shapes make the gratin look like a little edible garden, which is a win even before the first bite.
When these two veggies hit the oven together with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, the flavors start doing a little dance, bright meets mellow, sweet meets savory, and every bite ends with a tiny cheer from your palate. Late summer produce never felt this fun, and in this gratin, it’s hard not to smile while digging in.
Key Tips
Getting this gratin just right is all about small, thoughtful moves that pay off in flavor and presentation. The layering, caramelization, and seasoning each have their moments to shine, so a few tricks can make a big difference.
- Layer with intention: Alternate tomatoes, squash, and onion mixture to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors.
- Slow and low with onions: Caramelize onions gently to deepen their natural sweetness without burning.
- Season each layer: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs as you go for consistent seasoning.
- Golden top: Mix panko with a bit of olive oil for a crisp, flavorful crust that browns evenly.
- Use the right pan: A cast iron skillet or oven-proof casserole dish helps retain heat and enhances
Step-by-Step Video Guide
Follow along with our Step-by-Step Video Guide to see exactly how to make this recipe.
Heirloom Tomato & Summer Squash Gratin
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
75 minutes
Total Time:
100 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 6 ounces bacon, cut into lardon
- 4 yellow onions, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp. sherry vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large tomatoes, cut into ½-inch circles
- ¼ cup parmesan, grated
- 1½ pattypan squash, sliced in ½-inch circles
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, mixed with 1 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325áµ’F.
- In a cast iron pan over medium heat, cook bacon for 20 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and add onions to the pan with the bacon fat. Cook on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized. Add garlic & thyme; cook for 2 minutes. Add sherry vinegar and reserved bacon. Season with salt & pepper.
- In a casserole style dish, drizzle enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Layer with tomato slices and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Cover with 1 Tbsp. onion mixture and sprinkle with grated parmesan. Place squash slices on top, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Cover with 1 Tbsp. onion mixture and parmesan. Repeat process finishing with tomato on top. Generously coat with panko mixture and remaining parmesan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until squash is tender and top is browned.
Recipe Variations
Heirloom Tomato and Summer Squash Gratin can be adapted in lots of ways without losing its summery charm. Small swaps and additions can elevate the dish while keeping it fresh and vibrant:
- Vegetable swaps: Use zucchini, pattypan, or eggplant in place of summer squash. Add roasted red peppers or thinly sliced fennel for subtle sweetness.
- Herb variations: Try fresh basil, oregano, or tarragon instead of thyme for a new flavor profile.
- Protein additions: Layer in cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or shrimp to make it a heartier main course.
- Cheese twists: Swap parmesan for Gruyère, fontina, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
- Breadcrumb alternatives: Use panko mixed with herbs or nuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
The Best Wines to Pair with Summer Squash Gratin
Summer vegetables like heirloom tomatoes and squash call for wines that are bright, refreshing, and versatile enough to complement both the sweetness of the produce and the richness of the cheese and breadcrumbs. A crisp, fruit-forward Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris is a natural choice, offering citrusy notes and a hint of stone fruit that echo the fresh flavors of the gratin.
For those who prefer white wines with a bit more body, a Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay works beautifully. Its gentle creaminess and balanced acidity complement the caramelized onions and tender squash, creating a pairing that feels both effortless and elevated. Pour a glass, enjoy the flavors of late summer, and let a simple vegetable gratin feel like a special occasion.
You can explore the full Kendall-Jackson wine portfolio online to find your perfect pairing and bring a little extra sparkle to your summer table.
