Delicate, creamy, and bursting with the fresh flavor of summer zucchini, the Flan de Courgettes is a beloved French dish that sits beautifully between a savory custard and a vegetable soufflé. Often served as a starter or a light lunch, this flan showcases the versatility of courgettes (zucchini) with a refined and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Whether served warm or cold, it's a recipe that celebrates simplicity, elegance, and seasonal produce.

🇫🇷 What Is Flan de Courgettes?

Flan de courgettes is a savory custard dish made by blending zucchini, eggs, and cream or milk, sometimes enriched with cheese and herbs. Baked gently in a water bath (bain-marie), it achieves a soft, airy texture that's both rich and delicate.

Popular in Provence and the South of France, it’s a go-to for summer gatherings, often served with a salad, tomato coulis, or a drizzle of olive oil.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main ingredients:

2 medium courgettes (zucchini), grated or finely chopped

3 large eggs

150 ml crème fraîche or heavy cream

50 ml milk

1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

60 g grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère, Comté, or Parmesan)

1 garlic clove (optional)

Fresh herbs: parsley, basil, thyme, or chives

Salt & pepper to taste

A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

👨‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.

Add grated or finely chopped zucchini and cook for about 5–7 minutes until most of the water has evaporated. Stir in crushed garlic if using.

Let it cool slightly.

2. Mix the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, grated cheese, herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Add the cooled zucchini mixture and mix until well combined.

3. Bake in Bain-Marie

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Pour the mixture into greased ramekins or a medium-sized baking dish.

Place the dish(es) in a larger tray and pour hot water into the tray to create a bain-marie (water bath).

Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the flan is set and lightly golden on top.

4. Cool and Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before unmolding.

Serve warm or cold, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of tomato coulis.

🍅 Serving Suggestions

Pair WithWhy It Works
Tomato coulis or roasted cherry tomatoesAdds acidity and sweetness
Mixed green salad with vinaigretteLightens the creaminess of the flan
Crusty baguette or focacciaCompletes the dish for lunch
White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or VermentinoRefreshes the palate

🥗 A Healthy & Wholesome Dish

Flan de courgettes is a low-carb, high-protein dish perfect for summer menus and vegetarian diets. Zucchini is low in calories and rich in:

Vitamins A and C

Potassium

Antioxidants

By using light cream or skipping cheese, the dish can be made even lighter, perfect for health-conscious diners.

📜 A Touch of French Elegance

In France, vegetable flans like this one are a way to turn humble garden ingredients into something elegant. You’ll often see flans de légumes (vegetable flans) served at dinner parties, buffets, and bistros, often paired with local cheeses and seasonal produce.

Flan de courgettes reflects the Provençal philosophy of cooking: fresh ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor.

💡 Variations to Try

VariationHow to Make It
With goat cheeseAdd crumbled chèvre for tangy richness
With mint or basilAdds a fresh herbaceous twist
Mini flansUse muffin tins for individual portions
Crust optionPour into a shortcrust tart shell for a quiche-like dish

🥄 Final Thoughts

Flan de Courgettes is a beautiful celebration of simple French country cooking. It's elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Light, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s an ideal way to enjoy summer zucchini at its best.

So the next time you're looking for a dish that’s easy, healthy, and deliciously French — give this flan a try. You’ll be surprised how sophisticated a few basic ingredients can become.