This Butternut Squash Gratin recipe is a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving spread or a comforting weeknight meal. With a total prep and cook time of just over an hour, it’s a perfect option for those seeking a delicious dish that won’t keep them tied to the kitchen for too long.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups mashed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 213.8
- Fat Content: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 82.1mg
- Sodium Content: 311mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 11.3g
- Protein Content: 4.7g
Servings: 10
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Squash:
- If using fresh squash, steam it for 15 minutes until tender.
- Puree the cooked squash in a food processor along with the brown sugar.
- Drain the puree through a fine mesh strainer, pressing down occasionally to remove excess moisture.
-
Prepare the White Sauce:
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour until smooth, cooking and stirring for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Add the bay leaf, salt, pepper, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Let the sauce cool, then remove the bay leaf.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Whisk the eggs into the mashed squash.
- Whisk in the cooled white sauce until well combined.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the squash mixture to a 2-quart baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Smooth the top of the mixture.
- (Optional: At this point, the dish can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated.)
- Bake the gratin in the lower third of the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes, or longer if it has been refrigerated, or until the center is set.
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Prepare the Topping:
- While the gratin is baking, heat the remaining butter over low heat in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
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Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the walnut mixture over the top of the baking dish for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, remove the gratin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
This Butternut Squash Gratin is a savory-sweet delight, perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and crunchy walnut topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this dish with friends and family around the table, savoring each delicious bite.
