Imagine a dish that transforms humble butternut squash into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This Herbed Squash Au Gratin is not just a side dish – it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, velvety texture of perfectly cooked squash with the indulgent creaminess of Gruyère cheese and a symphony of fresh herbs. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this French-inspired recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Carefully wash and peel the butternut squash. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the squash into uniform thin rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well integrated, creating a fragrant herbed cream base.
- Layer the squash slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour the herbed cream mixture evenly over the squash, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese generously over the top of the layered squash, covering the surface completely for a rich, golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that helps the squash steam and become tender.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the squash is nearly tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot as a luxurious side dish or vegetarian main course.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to create even 1/8-inch thick squash slices. This ensures consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Gruyère is traditional, but you can experiment with similar melting cheeses like Emmental or a sharp white cheddar for variety.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the dish set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Maximize Flavor: Toast the fresh thyme slightly in a dry pan before adding to the cream mixture to intensify its aromatic qualities.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bring to room temperature before baking.
- Customize Your Herbs: While thyme is classic, feel free to experiment with rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Prevent Burning: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning while ensuring the squash continues to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
