1-Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to kick things off.

2-Melt the butter: Begin by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat, which helps build the flavorful base.

3-Cook onions: Add the 1/2 onion, thinly sliced, and cook until the edges start to brown, about 5 minutes, for that sweet, caramelized touch.

4-Add garlic: Next, toss in the 2 large cloves of garlic, minced, and cook for 1 more minute to release its aroma.

5-Add cream and simmer: Pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer until it’s bubbly and slightly thickened, creating a rich sauce.

6-Stir in Parmesan: Slowly stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan to blend everything smoothly, then add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash one small zucchini and one small yellow squash, both sliced in rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

7-Bake with cheese: Finally, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded smoked gouda on top and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown.

8-Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld together.

9-Dietary tweaks: For dietary tweaks, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based options and use dairy-free cream alternatives, adjusting cooking time as needed based on ingredient moisture.