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Easy Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin

Creamy butternut squash gratin baked with Gruyère cheese and a crispy panko topping. Perfect holiday side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking dish (2-quart)
  • large mixing bowl
  • medium mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Squash

  • 2 pounds butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

For the Cheese & Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, toss the sliced butternut squash with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper until the slices are evenly coated.
  • Arrange the seasoned squash slices in overlapping rows in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and nutmeg. Pour this cream mixture evenly over the squash in the baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Gruyère cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the squash and cream.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère cheese, the panko bread crumbs, and the melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb topping evenly over the gratin.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Let the gratin rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of thyme to the cream mixture.
Keyword butternut squash, gratin, holiday, vegetarian