Imagine a dish so creamy, so decadent, that it transforms an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece. Delicata Squash Au Gratin is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! With its golden, bubbling cheese and tender, velvety squash, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely irresistible. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your table with this surprisingly simple yet extraordinary dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squashes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the delicata squashes thoroughly. Trim the ends and slice them into 1/4-inch thick half-moon shapes. There's no need to peel delicata squash as its skin is edible and becomes tender when roasted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced squash with heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to ensure the squash is evenly coated with the cream mixture.
- Transfer the cream-coated squash slices to the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer. Make sure the slices are mostly flat and not too crowded to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the squash, covering the entire surface. Use a cheese that melts well, such as gruyère, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cream to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Squash: Select delicata squashes that are firm and free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange squash slices in a single, mostly flat layer to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for high-quality melting cheeses like gruyère or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor complexity.
- Watch the Browning: Keep an eye on the dish in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the cream set and makes serving easier.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of aromatic goodness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish partially in advance and finish baking just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
