
Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin: A Decadent Autumn Delight
Autumn’s arrival heralds a bounty of seasonal produce, and among the most beloved is the versatile butternut squash. Its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant orange hue make it a star ingredient in countless dishes, from comforting soups to elegant roasts. Today, we’re elevating the humble butternut squash to new heights with Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin, a dish that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. This gratin boasts layers of tender butternut squash, a creamy, decadent sauce, and a golden, bubbling crust, making it the perfect centerpiece for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal.
## What Makes Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin Special?
This isn’t your average butternut squash bake. Several key elements set Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin apart:
* **The Merritt Family Secret:** This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each iteration refining the flavor profile to perfection. The specific ratios of cream, cheese, and spices are what make this gratin sing.
* **Roasted Butternut Squash:** Roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the gratin intensifies its natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior. This adds depth of flavor and prevents the squash from becoming mushy during baking.
* **Creamy, Infused Sauce:** The sauce is the heart of this gratin. It’s a rich and velvety blend of heavy cream, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and a touch of garlic. The nutmeg adds warmth and complements the squash beautifully, while the garlic provides a subtle savory note.
* **Golden, Crispy Topping:** A generous layer of grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender squash and creamy sauce.
* **Versatility:** While this recipe is divine as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding other vegetables, such as kale, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
## Ingredients You’ll Need:
* **Butternut Squash:** 2 large butternut squash (about 4 pounds total), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
* **Olive Oil:** 4 tablespoons, divided
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Heavy Cream:** 2 cups
* **Gruyere Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups, grated, divided
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated, divided
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 sprigs (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need:
* **Baking Sheets:** 2 large baking sheets
* **Large Bowl:** 1 large bowl
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** 1 (or equivalent size)
* **Whisk:** For the cream sauce
* **Grater:** For the cheeses
* **Vegetable Peeler:** To peel the butternut squash
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these detailed instructions to create a Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin that will impress your family and friends:
**1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup much easier.
* Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers. A sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop works well for this.
* Cut the squash into 1/2-inch thick slices. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
* In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the squash is evenly coated.
* Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Avoid overcrowding the sheets, as this will steam the squash instead of roasting it.
**2. Roast the Butternut Squash:**
* Roast the butternut squash for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. The edges should be lightly browned.
* Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle when assembling the gratin.
**3. Prepare the Cream Sauce:**
* In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, 1 cup of Gruyere cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and nutmeg.
* Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the sauce boil.
* Remove the sauce from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the fresh thyme sprigs, if using, for extra flavor. Remove the thyme sprigs before assembling the gratin.
**4. Assemble the Gratin:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This will prevent the gratin from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
* Arrange a layer of roasted butternut squash slices in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
* Pour about one-third of the cream sauce over the squash, making sure to evenly coat the layer.
* Repeat the layers with the remaining butternut squash and cream sauce, ending with a layer of sauce.
* In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyere cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
* Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.
**5. Bake the Gratin:**
* Bake the gratin for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
* If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
* Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**6. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin warm. It’s delicious on its own or as a side dish to roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
* Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
## Tips for the Perfect Butternut Squash Gratin:
* **Choose the Right Butternut Squash:** Look for squash that is heavy for its size, with a hard, smooth rind. Avoid squash with soft spots or bruises.
* **Roast for Maximum Flavor:** Roasting the butternut squash is key to developing its sweetness and preventing it from becoming mushy. Don’t skip this step!
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheets:** Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the baking sheets to ensure even roasting. If you overcrowd the sheets, the squash will steam instead of roast.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the gratin. Use good-quality Gruyere and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
* **Freshly Grate the Nutmeg:** Freshly grated nutmeg has a much more intense and aromatic flavor than pre-ground nutmeg. It’s worth the extra effort.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the cream sauce before assembling the gratin and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the gratin to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
## Variations and Additions:
Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin is delicious as is, but here are a few variations and additions to customize it to your liking:
* **Add Greens:** Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard to the cream sauce for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté the greens lightly before adding them to the sauce.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil until tender and browned. Add them to the gratin along with the butternut squash.
* **Add Bacon or Prosciutto:** Cook bacon or prosciutto until crispy and crumble it over the gratin before baking. This adds a salty, savory element.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Fontina, Asiago, or Gouda. Each cheese will impart a unique flavor to the gratin.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** Sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter over the top of the gratin before baking for extra crunch. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut cream. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
## Serving Suggestions:
Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve it with a side salad and crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork, beef, or fish. It’s also a great addition to holiday gatherings.
* **For Brunch:** Serve it with eggs, bacon, and toast for a decadent brunch spread.
## Make-Ahead Instructions:
You can prepare the Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin ahead of time and bake it later. Here’s how:
* **Assemble the gratin:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Cover the gratin tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake:** When you’re ready to bake, remove the gratin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed in the recipe.
## Storage Instructions:
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate):
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion:
Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin is a truly special dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet roasted butternut squash, creamy cheese sauce, and golden, bubbly crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this gratin is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to experience a taste of autumn in every bite. This recipe, passed down and perfected over generations, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the connection to family tradition that Merritt’s Butternut Squash Gratin brings to your table!
Enjoy! And let us know in the comments how it turned out.