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As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the cozy embrace of fall inspires heartwarming dishes that celebrate the bounty of the season. One such dish that beautifully captures the essence of autumn is the Butternut Squash & Spinach Delight Gratin. This delectable gratin is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. With creamy layers of butternut squash and fresh spinach, topped with a golden crust of cheese, this dish serves as a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Gratin

Discover the warmth of autumn with our Butternut Squash & Spinach Delight Gratin! This vibrant dish features creamy layers of butternut squash and fresh spinach, topped with a golden cheese crust that makes it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Not only is it delicious, but it also highlights the benefits of seasonal ingredients, making cooking healthier and more sustainable. Explore this comforting recipe that celebrates fall flavors today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (plus an additional 1/2 cup for topping)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.

    Cook the Butternut Squash: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the diced butternut squash and boil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Combine Spinach and Squash: Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted down. Gently fold in the pre-cooked butternut squash. Season the mixture with nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

          Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Gruyère cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the butternut squash and spinach blend, stirring until all ingredients are well-coated.

            Assemble the Gratin: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, followed by a generous layer of Panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. For an extra cheesy touch, add a handful of Gruyère cheese on top.

              Bake the Gratin: Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling invitingly.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving for a fragrant finish.

                  Enjoy your Butternut Squash & Spinach Delight Gratin as a comforting side dish or a rich vegetarian main course!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm in a rustic dish straight from the oven to the table, garnished with additional thyme sprigs for a pop of color.