Printable Recipe: Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin

This is one of the tastiest Thanksgiving side dishes to add to your table. Butternut squash makes a lovely change from your usual Thanksgiving veggies, and cooked in a creamy sauce, it's to die for. Even better, this recipe can easily be turned into a make ahead Thanksgiving side dish. Simple assemble all the way up to step 8. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before baking. Easy as could be!

This recipe serves about 8 people (less if you have big eaters). If you plan to double it (or triple or quadruple it), use a bit less liquid. If you're making a huge batch (say, times 5), add up to two cups less liquid, or you'll end up with a watery casserole-- not what you're looking for.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled
1 1/2 C. whipping cream
1/2 C. half & half or whole milk
2 bay leaves
1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
pinch ground mace
1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
3 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1 med. yellow onion
2 tsp. garlic, minced or pressed
1/3 C. finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions: 1. Slice butternut squash into slices about 1/4" wide.

2. In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sliced squash, heavy cream, milk or half & half, thyme, and mace.

3. Over moderate heat, bring to a simmer. Add 1 tsp. kosher salt and 1/2 tsp. black pepper.

4. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until squash has cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take about 30 minutes.

5. Slice the onion thinly. In a large skillet, cook onions in 1 1/2 tbsp. of butter until they're golden brown.

6. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add remaining salt and pepper to onion/garlic mixture.

8. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

7. Butter a medium sized casserole dish. Place a layer of squash on bottom, followed by onions.

8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over. Dot the rest of the butter over top of the Parmesan.

9. Bake about 15 minutes, or until heated through and bubby, and cheese is lightly browned.