Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary butternut squash into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This French Onion Squash Casserole is not just another side dish – it's a gourmet experience that combines the sweet caramelized depth of French onion techniques with the creamy, rich texture of roasted butternut squash. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a show-stopping main course or a food lover seeking a memorable side dish, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and dice into 1/2-inch cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Thinly slice the onions using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the sliced onions in the olive oil, stirring frequently. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. This process develops a rich, sweet flavor characteristic of French onion dishes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, caramelized onions, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the squash and onion mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the squash mixture. The cheese will melt and create a golden, crispy top.
- Distribute the breadcrumbs uniformly over the cheese layer, which will provide a crunchy texture and golden-brown finish.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The casserole is done when the squash is tender when pierced with a fork, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a side dish or vegetarian main course, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Squash Cutting Technique: Take your time when dicing the butternut squash. Uniform 1/2-inch cubes ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Caramelization is Key: Don't rush the onion cooking process. Slow, patient caramelization (10-12 minutes) develops a deep, sweet flavor that's crucial to the dish's success.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe suggests Gruyère or Swiss, feel free to experiment with similar melting cheeses like Emmental or Comté for subtle flavor variations.
- Breadcrumb Pro Tip: For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs or mix in some grated Parmesan with your breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for several hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows it to set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish Options: Fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or a light drizzle of good olive oil can add a final touch of elegance to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
