Butternut Squash Gratin
The prep for this gratin takes a little longer than most easy, real-food recipes due to slicing the uncooked squash. But the rich, savory and sweet flavor of fall is worth it once or twice a year!
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 whole bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium frying pan; saute chopped onion until browned and transparent. Add cream and remaining spices including bay leaves to onion. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally while preparing butternut squash.
- Peel squash. Cut into about 4 pieces and slice into 3/16" (4.5 mm) slices using a mandolin.
- Layer squash in 13 x 9 inch pan, sprinkling with parmesan cheese in between layers. Reserve some parmesan for the top layer.
- Remove bay leaves from cream, and pour over squash layers. Top with remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven to cover with foil. Return to oven for additional 30 minutes or until butternut squash is soft when pierced with a fork. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
This meal can be a filling meatless main dish, or you can enjoy it as a hearty side dish. Children may ask for seconds, but it also typically provides leftovers, which make for a fancy lunch or an easy leftover meal.