Are you tired of bland, uninspiring side dishes that leave your dinner table feeling incomplete? I know that feeling all too well! This Creamy Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin is the answer to your mealtime prayers – a velvety, golden masterpiece that combines sweet butternut squash with tart apples in a harmony of fall flavors.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! As someone who believes that comfort food should nourish both body and soul, I’ve perfected this gratin through countless autumn dinner parties. My guests always ask for the recipe, and now I’m sharing it with you!
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect butternut squash and apples, share my secret to achieving that irresistible creamy texture, and offer serving suggestions that will elevate your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this gratin will become your new go-to comfort food classic.
Why This Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin Works
- Uses seasonal, budget-friendly ingredients available at any grocery store
- Prep can be done ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
- Balances sweet and savory flavors for universal appeal
- Creates impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Provides a nutritious alternative to traditional potato-based sides
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin
Best Squash Selection
Look for butternut squash with a matte finish (not shiny), uniform beige color, and feels heavy for its size. The stem should be intact and dry, indicating freshness. Medium-sized squashes (2-3 pounds) typically offer the best flavor balance.
Apple Varieties That Shine
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples work best in this gratin they hold their shape during baking while providing the perfect sweet-tart contrast to the squash. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that can turn mushy.
Quality Dairy Components
Full-fat heavy cream creates the luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish special. For the cheese topping, a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan offers complex flavor, but you could substitute with white cheddar in a pinch.
Ingredients & Prep for Butternut Squash Gratin
Essential Prep Work
Peeling butternut squash can be challenging, so try this hack: prick the squash all over with a fork and microwave for 3-4 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then peel with a vegetable peeler – the skin will come off much more easily!
Key Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 2 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavor Enhancers
Fresh herbs make all the difference in this dish. If possible, use fresh thyme rather than dried, and always grate your nutmeg fresh for the most aromatic experience.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin
Pre-Cooking Prep for the Butternut Squash Gratin
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a small saucepan, combine cream, garlic, thyme, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat.
Layering Method for Butternut Squash Gratin
- Arrange half the butternut squash slices in the bottom of your baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Layer all apple slices on top of the squash.
- Arrange remaining squash slices on top of the apples.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
Baking Your Butternut Squash Gratin
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the squash is nearly tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with the combined cheeses.
- Return to oven, uncovered, for another 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Resting Your Butternut Squash Gratin
Allow the gratin to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step helps the cream set slightly and makes serving much easier.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash Gratin
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Cut squash and apples to uniform thickness (about ¼ inch) for even cooking
- Don’t skimp on seasoning the salt helps balance the sweetness of the squash and apples
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin slices that cook evenly
Equipment Recommendations
A ceramic or enameled cast-iron baking dish conducts heat beautifully for this gratin. A shallow dish (about 2 inches deep) creates the ideal ratio of crispy top to creamy interior.
Make-Ahead Options
Prepare this gratin up to 24 hours in advance! Complete all steps through pouring the cream mixture, cover and refrigerate. Allow an extra 15 minutes of covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Looking for more delicious recipe inspiration? Check out my collection on Pinterest where I share seasonal favorites and comfort food classics!
Flavor Variations for Butternut Squash Gratin
Herb Infusions
Try rosemary instead of thyme for a more robust, earthy flavor profile. Sage is another wonderful complement to both butternut squash and apples.
Dietary Adaptations
For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the cheese. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
International Inspirations
Add a touch of curry powder and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a Moroccan-inspired variation, or include a layer of caramelized onions and a pinch of nutmeg for a French twist.
| Flavor Variation | Key Additions | Suggested Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Savory Herb | Fresh rosemary, sage | Roast chicken, turkey |
| Maple Pecan | Maple syrup drizzle, chopped pecans | Holiday ham, vegetarian mains |
| Spiced Apple | Cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar | Fall dinner parties |
| Caramelized Onion | Layer of caramelized onions | Beef tenderloin, mushroom dishes |
Serving Suggestions for Butternut Squash Gratin
This gratin shines alongside roasted chicken or turkey, making it perfect for holiday meals. For a vegetarian dinner, serve it with a robust kale salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
For beverages, a crisp Chardonnay or Viognier complements the creamy, sweet notes beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple cider creates a lovely pairing.
Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor!
FAQs About Butternut Squash Gratin
Can I make this butternut squash gratin ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, stopping before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding about 15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Can I freeze butternut squash gratin?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, do so before baking, then thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
How do I know when my butternut squash gratin is done?
The squash should be easily pierced with a knife, the top should be golden brown, and the edges should be bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash to save time?
Absolutely! Pre-cut squash works well, though you may need to cut larger pieces into thinner slices for even cooking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin brings together the best of fall flavors in one impressive, comforting dish. The contrast between the velvety squash and tender-crisp apples creates a textural experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. There’s something truly magical about sharing a dish that not only nourishes but creates memories. Remember, comfort food isn’t just about the ingredients – it’s about the love that goes into making it.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you’re looking for more seasonal inspiration, don’t forget to check out my other fall favorites on GusRecipes.com.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash & Apple Gratin: Comfort Food Magic!
- Total Time: 50–60 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy sweet–savory gratin layering tender butternut squash, crisp apples, sage, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for fall or holiday meals.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced
2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss squash, apples, and onion with oil, salt, pepper, and sage.
3. Arrange half the mixture in a greased baking dish.
4. Drizzle with half the cream and sprinkle with Parmesan.
5. Layer remaining mixture and pour over remaining cream.
6. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
7. Bake 35–45 minutes until tender and golden.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add thyme or rosemary for extra fall flavor.
Substitute sweet potato for the squash if needed.
Use Gruyère instead of Parmesan for a richer gratin.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35–45 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
Keywords: butternut squash gratin, apple gratin, fall side dish, Thanksgiving sides