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Creamy Delicata Squash Gratin with Bacon, Garlic, and Herbs

Creamy Delicata Squash Gratin with Bacon, Garlic, and Herbs – a cheesy, savory, and comforting side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoonbutter
  • 8 ouncesturkey bacon, chopped
  • 5garlic cloves, divided
  • 2shallots, quartered lengthwise
  • 2½ cupsheavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoonground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoonsea salt
  • 1 teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
  • 2–3sprigs fresh thyme
  • 5–6fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2large delicata squash, washed, seeded, and sliced into half rings
  • ½ cupgrated Gruyère cheese
  • 2handfuls grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. 1. Prepare the Baking Dish
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Cut one garlic clove in half and rub the inside of a shallow baking dish with the cut sides to add subtle flavor. Grease the dish generously with butter and set aside.
  3. 2. Cook the Bacon
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. 3. Make the Cream Sauce
  6. In a medium saucepan, combine the shallots, remaining garlic cloves, heavy cream, nutmeg, sea salt, black pepper, thyme, and sage. Simmer gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots and garlic are very soft and fragrant.
  7. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
  8. 4. Slice the Squash
  9. Wash and dry the delicata squash. Slice into ½-inch rounds, remove the seeds, and cut each round into half-moons. Set aside.
  10. 5. Assemble the Gratin
  11. Arrange the delicata squash slices tightly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly over the squash. Pour the blended cream mixture over the top, making sure the squash is well coated but not completely submerged.
  12. Do not fill the dish to the rim — the sauce will bubble while baking. Cover with foil.
  13. 6. Bake Until Tender
  14. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the squash is soft and the sauce is thickened and creamy.
  15. 7. Top with Cheese and Broil
  16. Remove the foil and sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface. Turn the oven to broil and place the dish on the top rack. Broil for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  17. 8. Serve and Garnish
  18. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves and serve hot — bubbling, cheesy, and full of savory flavor.
  • Author: Chef mia