Sweet & Savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin: Your New Go-To Holiday Side

Prepare to elevate your holiday meal with this exquisite Sweet & Savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin. Brimming with vibrant colors and unforgettable flavors, this dish isn’t just a side; it’s a showstopper. Perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the rich, salty notes of Parmesan and a hint of fragrant garlic, it promises to be a delightful addition to any festive spread, especially your Thanksgiving feast.

We all cherish those classic dishes that make an appearance year after year, forming the backbone of our family traditions. You know the ones – the beloved recipes passed down through generations, each bite a journey back in time. For some, it might be:

Mom’s Homemade Cole Slaw, a refreshing staple.
Grandma’s comforting broccoli casserole, a creamy, cheesy delight.
Or perhaps, like my family, you’ve embraced new favorites such as Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding, which has gracefully taken the place of a long-loved stuffing recipe.

While traditions are wonderful, there’s always room to create new ones, to introduce an improved or entirely new dish that will be remembered and requested for years to come. This Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin is designed to be exactly that: a fresh, exciting take on a classic holiday vegetable side that marries familiarity with a touch of gourmet elegance. Its delicious versatility makes it perfect for not just Thanksgiving, but any special occasion where good food and cherished company come together.

Make-Ahead Magic: Simplify Your Holiday Prep

One of the greatest advantages of this delightful butternut squash gratin is its make-ahead potential. Imagine the peace of mind on Thanksgiving morning, knowing that a significant part of your meal is already prepped and ready for the oven. This gratin can easily be prepared a day in advance, allowing you to focus on other last-minute tasks or simply enjoy the company of your loved ones. Any time I can get a head start on a busy holiday menu, I’m a happy cook! This recipe is a true stress-reducer, allowing you to assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it until baking time.

The Star Ingredient: Butternut Squash

Butternut squash, a beloved staple of fall and winter cuisine, forms the heart of this gratin. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it ideal for roasting and baking. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s not only delicious but also a wonderfully nutritious choice for your holiday table. When choosing a butternut squash, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of soft spots or blemishes. A deep, uniform tan color indicates ripeness.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Gratin

The beauty of this butternut squash gratin lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Butternut Squash: Approximately 2 ½ pounds, which will yield enough slices for a generous gratin.
Butter: The foundation for our aromatic garlic infusion, providing richness and helping to crisp the topping.
Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic is non-negotiable here. It infuses the butter with a pungent, savory aroma that complements the squash beautifully.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style bread crumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional bread crumbs, creating an irresistible golden crust.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The sharp, salty flavor of real Parmesan is crucial. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as fresh cheese melts better and offers superior taste.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Preparing Your Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin: Step-by-Step

Achieving a perfectly cooked gratin largely depends on uniform preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your butternut squash cooks evenly and your gratin turns out beautifully golden and tender.

The Art of Slicing Squash

It’s important to be sure your squash slices are uniform in thickness. This ensures that every piece roasts evenly, resulting in a consistent, tender texture throughout the dish. I find that a stainless steel scraper with a measuring guide along its edge comes in incredibly handy to keep my slices precisely 1/2-inch thick. If you don’t have one, just do your best to maintain consistency!

Preheat & Prep: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Squash: Carefully peel the butternut squash. Then, halve it lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous bits. Once cleaned, cut the squash into uniform 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Arrange for Success: Artfully arrange the squash slices in the prepared baking dish. Aim to create two rows of slightly overlapping slices. This layered approach not only looks appealing but also helps with even cooking and ensures every slice gets coated in flavor.

Crafting the Flavorful Garlic Butter

The garlic butter is where much of the gratin’s savory depth comes from. It’s simple to make but critical to get right:

Melt the Butter: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Infuse the Garlic: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to soften the garlic and allow its flavor to deeply infuse the butter without browning or burning it, which would result in a bitter taste. Keep a close eye on it!

Assembling and Baking to Golden Perfection

Now it’s time to bring all the elements together for that signature gratin crunch and tender interior:

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Then, take one tablespoon of your fragrant butter-garlic mixture and add it to the crumb mixture, mixing well. This small step ensures the topping becomes perfectly golden and adheres beautifully.
Coat the Squash: Brush the arranged squash slices with the remaining butter-garlic mixture, ensuring each slice is generously coated. This adds flavor and helps the squash caramelize.
Season & Top: Lightly sprinkle the buttered squash with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then evenly scatter the bread crumb mixture over the top.
Initial Bake: Bake the gratin uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, but not mushy.
Golden Finish: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Return the gratin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and beautifully crisp. This higher temperature creates that irresistible gratin crust.
Garnish & Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Gluten-Free Made Easy

Folks, this Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin can easily be made gluten-free!

In fact, many brands of panko bread crumbs readily available today are specifically labeled as gluten-free. Using these ensures that everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities, can enjoy this fantastic dish without compromise. Always double-check your labels to confirm suitability for your dietary needs.

Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin

Adapted from Betty Crocker

A perfect sweet & savory addition to your holiday table.

Servings
6 to 8 servings

Author
Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

1
butternut squash
(2 1/2 pounds)
1/4
cup
butter
2
large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4
cup
panko bread crumbs
(or gluten-free panko bread crumbs)
1/3
cup
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4
teaspoon
salt
1/8
teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
1/4
cup
chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 13 x 9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Peel, halve lengthwise, and seed the squash; cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish with slices overlapping slightly, forming two rows if possible.
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is soft and butter is infused with garlic flavor. Do not let butter brown.
In a small bowl, mix panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the butter-garlic mixture.
Brush the squash slices with the remaining butter-garlic mixture. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the bread crumb mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C); bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned and crispy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over top.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin is incredibly versatile. It makes an outstanding companion to traditional roasted turkey or ham during holiday gatherings. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even as a vegetarian main course alongside a crisp green salad. For those who love to experiment, consider these delightful variations:

Herbacious Twist: Add a pinch of dried sage or fresh thyme to your garlic butter for an even deeper, more autumnal flavor profile.
Nutty Notes: For an added layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle a tablespoon of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the gratin along with the bread crumb mixture.
Spicy Kick: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the garlic butter can add a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the squash’s sweetness.
Cheesy Choices: While Parmesan is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere or a sharp white cheddar would also be delicious, offering different dimensions of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, this sweet and savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and harmonious flavors make it a truly special dish that caters to both traditional tastes and modern palates. Give it a try, and watch it become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!

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