Description
This Butternut Squash Casserole (Gratin) is a rich and comforting dish featuring layers of thinly sliced butternut squash baked in a fragrant herb and garlic-infused creamy sauce, topped with melted mature white Cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or main, this gratin combines cheesy, creamy textures with the subtle sweetness of squash and aromatic thyme and nutmeg, creating an irresistibly cozy casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Mixture
- 400ml / 1¾ cups double cream/whipping cream (no half and half or single cream)
- 2 bay leaves
- a few thyme sprigs
- 1 garlic clove (crushed)
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing dish)
- 1kg / 2lbs large butternut squash (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 100g / 1 cup mature white Cheddar or your favourite cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare cream infusion: Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. In a saucepan, mix the heavy cream with nutmeg, crushed garlic clove, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves, then bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to infuse for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Layer the squash and cream: Peel, deseed, and thinly slice the butternut squash. Butter a large, shallow baking dish. Lay half of the sliced squash evenly in the dish, then pour half of the infused cream mixture over it. Layer the remaining squash slices on top and cover with the remaining cream.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with tin foil and bake at 350°F / 180°C for 30 minutes. This initial baking softens the squash and allows the cream to meld with the layers.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the cream is simmering around the edges.
Notes
- Butternut squash gratin is everything you’d want in a cozy casserole dish—cheesy, creamy, flavored with thyme and garlic, and extremely delicious!
- Use a sharp mature Cheddar or your favorite cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Ensure the butternut squash slices are thin for even cooking and creamy texture.
- Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves before layering the cream if you prefer a smoother texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roast meats or as a vegetarian main with a crisp green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 111 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
