Elevate your mealtime experience with this delightful Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin! This dish combines the sweet, nutty flavours of butternut squash with creamy Gruyère cheese, creating a warm and satisfying side that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings. With its beautiful layers and irresistible aroma, this gratin is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Fresh Ingredients, Incredible Taste
This gratin showcases how simple, high-quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavour. The star of this dish is the tender butternut squash, thinly sliced to showcase its natural sweetness. Each layer is enveloped in a rich and creamy mixture of single cream and nutmeg, while the nutty Gruyère cheese brings depth and richness that perfectly complements the squash. Aromatic garlic and fragrant sage add an extra layer of flavour, transforming this dish into a comforting delight.
Easy to Prepare: Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin
Preparing this gratin is a straightforward process, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight or festive gathering. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (fan) and slicing the butternut squash into thin half rounds.
Mix together the cream with salt and nutmeg for a rich custard that will bind the layers.
In a greased baking dish, layer the less-than-perfect squash pieces at the bottom, sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese, and pour one-third of the cream mixture over it.
Arrange the remaining squash slices beautifully on top, interspersing with sliced garlic and sage leaves. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the top, cover with foil, and bake for an hour.
Finish by uncovering and topping with the rest of the cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
This easy method allows both novice and experienced cooks to create a delicious side that will steal the show!
Versatile and Customisable
One of the best features of this Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Emmental or cheddar, to suit your taste. You can also incorporate other vegetables like sliced potatoes or carrots for added texture. This versatility makes it easy to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.
Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin Perfect for Leftovers
Not only is this gratin delightful fresh out of the oven, but it also makes fantastic leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven to maintain its creamy texture, making it a convenient option for busy days or a quick snack.
Butternut Squash and Gruyère Gratin is an easy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive dinners. The creamy layers of tender butternut squash, rich Gruyère cheese, and fragrant sage come together beautifully, while the hint of garlic adds extra depth. This dish is not only simple to make but also elegant enough to impress your guests. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a satisfying and comforting gratin ready in no time!
Ingredients
600gg butternut squash
1tbsp olive oil
100g Gruyère cheese (grated)
300ml single cream (cooking cream)
Salt (to taste)
1/2tsp nutmeg (grated)
2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
5 sage leaves
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan).
Cut the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, peel, and slice thinly using a mandolin or sharp knife.
Mix the single cream with salt and grated nutmeg.
Grease a 20cm x 20cm rectangular baking dish with olive oil. Layer any irregular or smaller pieces of butternut squash at the bottom, sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère over the squash, and pour 1/3 of the cream mixture evenly over the top.
Neatly arrange the remaining butternut squash slices on top, sliding the garlic slices and sage leaves in between.
Pour the remaining cream mixture over the squash, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère on top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Choosing Butternut Squash: Look for squash that feels heavy for its size with a smooth, firm skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes.
Cheese Variation: While Gruyère adds a wonderful nutty flavour, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Emmental or cheddar for a different twist.
Make Ahead: This gratin can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it, then bake it just before serving.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best result
Keywords:
Butternut squash gratin, Gruyère cheese, quick side dish, creamy gratin, butternut squash bake, sage and garlic, easy gratin, autumn recipes, holiday side dish, vegetarian gratin
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Izabella Jakubec
Food Blogger and Recipe Developer
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