Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin

Indulge in the cozy comfort of Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin, a rich and creamy side dish that’s perfect for showcasing the season’s best squash varieties like butternut, acorn, or kabocha. This recipe layers thinly sliced squash in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce made with Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses, topped with a golden panko breadcrumb crust enhanced by fresh thyme. The combination of earthy squash, nutty cheeses, and fragrant spices is baked to bubbling perfection, delivering a dish that’s equal parts creamy and crunchy. Ready in just under an hour, this au gratin is an elevated yet approachable addition to any holiday table or weeknight dinner. Ideal for fall and winter gatherings, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or stands alone as a vegetarian delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized winter squash (butternut, acorn, or kabocha)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Peel the winter squash, remove the seeds, and slice it into thin, half-moon-shaped slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Arrange half of the sliced squash in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the squash. Layer the remaining squash slices on top and pour the rest of the cream mixture over them, ensuring all the squash is coated.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and chopped thyme. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the squash.

Step 7

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Baked Winter Squash Au Gratin!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2433.2 grams (2433.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2483

Total Fat 157.10g	201%
Saturated Fat 84.70g	424%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 422mg	141%
Sodium 3493mg	152%
Total Carbohydrate 237.80g	86%
Dietary Fiber 65.90g	235%
Total Sugars 41.30g
Protein 53.90g	108%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1932mg	149%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 5806mg	124%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.8%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 36.9%