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Creamy Sage Butternut Squash Gratin

creamy sage butternut squash gratin - featured image

A comforting and elegant dish that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy flavor of sage, all tied together with a luscious cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced thinly (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the butternut squash into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Mince or slice the garlic and chop the fresh sage leaves.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sage, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Add the sautéed garlic and sage to the mixture and stir well.
  5. Arrange half of the butternut squash slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the cream mixture over the squash, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan and Gruyère cheese on top.
  6. Add the remaining squash slices, followed by the rest of the cream mixture and cheese. Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan on top for a beautiful golden crust.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let the gratin cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

Notes

[‘Use a mandoline slicer or take your time with a sharp knife to ensure even cooking.’, ‘Don’t skimp on the cream for a rich texture.’, ‘If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.’, ‘Fresh sage is recommended for the best flavor.’, ‘Season generously to balance the natural sweetness of the squash.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, sage, gratin, creamy, fall recipe, winter comfort food, holiday side dish, gluten-free