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As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish to celebrate the fall season. Fall Harvest Cheesy Squash Gratin is a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients that warms both the heart and the home. This dish showcases the vibrant flavors of butternut squash, enhanced by creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs, making it a perfect addition to any autumn meal.

Fall Harvest Cheesy Squash Gratin

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with our Fall Harvest Cheesy Squash Gratin—a perfect addition to your autumn gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner. This creamy, cheesy dish features sweet butternut squash layered with fragrant herbs and topped with crunchy panko for a delightful texture. It's not just comfort food; it's a delicious way to celebrate the season. Save this for later and bring warmth to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium butternut squashes (approximately 2 pounds), peeled and sliced into thin rounds

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Squash: In a large mixing bowl, season the sliced butternut squash with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and ground nutmeg. Toss the squash slices well to ensure they are evenly coated in the seasoning, which will enhance their flavor during baking.

      Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, sautéing until it is softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the garlic from burning.

        Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk over low heat. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese along with all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the fresh thyme leaves and season with additional salt and pepper to your liking.

          Layer the Gratin: In the prepared baking dish, start layering by placing half of the seasoned squash slices at the bottom. Evenly distribute half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the squash. Pour half of the cheese sauce over this layer. Repeat the process with the remaining squash slices, followed by the rest of the onion and garlic mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese sauce to create a luscious top layer.

            Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the surface of the gratin for a delightful texture contrast.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After this time, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the gratin to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period will help the layers set, making it easier to cut into neat portions and enjoy.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve sliced portions on a rustic wooden or ceramic platter. Garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs and a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a complete meal.