Go Back
As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crispness that signals the arrival of fall, many home cooks eagerly embrace the bountiful produce of the season. One standout ingredient that epitomizes autumn is butternut squash, a versatile vegetable known for its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant orange hue. This seasonal gem is the star of our featured dish: Butternut Bliss & Spinach Delight Gratin. This gratin not only celebrates the rich flavors of fall but also offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Gratin

Embrace the flavors of fall with Butternut Bliss & Spinach Delight Gratin! This comforting dish highlights the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the freshness of spinach, and the richness of Gruyère cheese, creating a delightful blend of tastes and textures. Perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings, this gratin is not just delicious but also packed with vitamins and nutrients. Learn how to prepare and layer this seasonal favorite for a wholesome meal everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Sauté the Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Cook the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Remove from heat and set aside.

        Prepare the Butternut Squash: In a large bowl, combine the sliced butternut squash with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until the slices are well-coated.

          Layer the Gratin:

            - In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the butternut squash slices evenly across the bottom.

              - Spread half of the sautéed spinach and onion mixture over the squash.

                - Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese over the spinach.

                  - Repeat this layering process with the remaining butternut squash, spinach mixture, and finish with the remaining Gruyère cheese.

                    Add the Cream: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top of the assembled gratin, ensuring it seeps through the layers.

                      Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture over the top layer of cheese in the baking dish.

                        Bake the Gratin: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

                          Garnish and Serve: Once done, let the gratin rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr | 6 servings