Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin
A cozy, crispy, and cheesy butternut squash gratin featuring golden panko, parmesan, and aromatic herbs. High in fiber, low in saturated fat, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for quick family dinners or a festive side dish.
Equipment
- 13 x 9-inch baking dish
- small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooking spray or oil
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 2 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 5 Tbsp 70 g salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup 35 g plain panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup 42 g finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried sage
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, take a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This ensures the squash won’t stick during baking and makes cleanup easier. Arrange your sliced butternut squash in the dish in slightly overlapping rows, creating a neat and uniform layer.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Garlic: Place 5 tablespoons (70 g) of salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, then reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step infuses the butter with a rich, aromatic garlic flavor without burning the garlic, which could turn bitter. Once fragrant, remove the saucepan from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (35 g) of plain panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup (42 g) finely grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried sage. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, keeping in mind the parmesan already adds some saltiness. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the warm garlic butter over this mixture, then toss thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened. This step ensures the topping will bake to a golden, crispy perfection.
- Brush Squash with Garlic Butter: Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly brush the remaining garlic butter over the arranged squash slices in the baking dish. Lightly sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to season each slice. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the squash slices roast evenly and stay moist while baking.
- Apply Topping and Layer Evenly: Sprinkle the prepared panko and parmesan topping evenly over the buttered squash slices. Make sure the topping covers the squash uniformly without clumping, which helps achieve a consistent golden-brown crust during baking. Press lightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure the crumbs adhere to the buttered squash surface.
- Bake the Squash Gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check the squash for tenderness by inserting a fork; it should pierce easily without being mushy. The topping should be lightly golden at this stage. If the topping isn’t deeply browned, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve Warm: Once the squash is tender and the topping has a beautiful golden crust, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Serve immediately while warm, either as a comforting weekday side or an impressive addition to holiday meals.
Notes
- Choose a medium-sized butternut squash for even cooking and manageable slices.
- Slice the squash evenly, about 1/2 inch thick, to ensure uniform tenderness and consistent baking.
- Fresh garlic works best, but roasted garlic can add a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for superior flavor and better melting compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crisp topping—avoid regular breadcrumbs if you want a crunchier gratin.
- Lightly overlapping the squash slices helps the flavors meld while preventing uneven cooking.
- Keep an eye on the topping during the final baking stage to avoid burning.
