Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Gratin with Mozzarella
Indulge in a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash, fragrant fresh sage, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection in this mouthwatering gratin. The natural sweetness of the squash harmonizes beautifully with the savory sage, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a wonderful texture contrast. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a vegetarian main, this gratin is sure to impress at any dinner gathering. Ideal for fall and winter meals, it showcases seasonal produce that warms the soul.
2-3 servings
Servings
173
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 1/2 lbs (Peeled and cut into pieces)
butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (Divided (1/2 tablespoon for mashing, 1 tablespoon for sautéing))
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
onion
1 medium (Diced)
dry breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (N/A)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
dried sage
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Begin by peeling the butternut squash, then cut it into manageable pieces. Steam or boil the squash until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, mash the squash in a bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of butter until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed squash.
3
Grease a small casserole dish with oil or cooking spray. Spread the mashed squash evenly in the bottom of the dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the squash.
4
In a skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dry breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried sage, mixing well until all ingredients are combined.
5
Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
6
Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving!
Nutrition Information
8.3g
Fat
21g
Carbs
4.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Gratin with Mozzarella
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a natural sweetness from the squash harmonized with savory sage and gooey mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 2-3 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 173 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 8.3g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 21g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this gratin offer?
It provides 4.7g of protein per serving.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How much butternut squash is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of butternut squash, peeled and cut into pieces.
How long should I cook the squash?
Steam or boil the squash until tender, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
How much mashed squash should the recipe yield?
You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed squash.
How much butter is used for mashing the squash?
Use 1/2 tablespoon of butter for mashing the cooked squash.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What size onion is used in this recipe?
One medium onion, diced, is required.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion in butter for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent.
How much breadcrumbs are needed for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
What seasonings are added to the breadcrumb mixture?
The breadcrumbs are mixed with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dried sage.
How much butter is used to sauté the onion?
Use 1 tablespoon of butter for the sautéing step.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Grease a small casserole dish with oil or cooking spray.
What is the order of layers in the casserole dish?
Layer the mashed squash first, followed by the shredded mozzarella, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the gratin is finished baking?
The gratin is done when the top is golden brown and crispy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it works as both a comforting side dish or a vegetarian main.
What seasons are best for this dish?
It is ideal for fall and winter meals as it uses seasonal produce.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
Should the gratin be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
What provides the crispy texture in this recipe?
The crispy breadcrumb topping provides a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy squash.