Imagine a dish that transforms the humble squash into a creamy, luxurious masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is not just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that bridges rustic French countryside cooking with gourmet sophistication. With its golden, crispy top and velvety interior, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner table from ordinary to extraordinary in just one hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs red kuri squash, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Carefully peel the red kuri squash using a sharp vegetable peeler or knife. Remove seeds and slice the squash into thin, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, crumbled blue cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture until the blue cheese is partially dissolved and the cream is smooth.
- Layer the sliced squash in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each piece. Pour the cream and blue cheese mixture evenly over the squash, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the squash, creating a uniform layer that will develop a golden crust during baking.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the gratin to help promote even browning and add a subtle richness.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or vegetarian main course, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose a Red Kuri squash that feels heavy and has a vibrant, deep orange color for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice the squash uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
- For a richer flavor, try using a strong blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola dolce.
- If you want a crispier top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the gratin rest after cooking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier and more elegant.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch and extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
