Butternut Squash Casserole with Garlic, Herb Infused Cream, and Cheddar Recipe
This Butternut Squash Casserole (Gratin) is a creamy and comforting baked dish featuring thinly sliced butternut squash layered with garlic and herb-infused cream, topped with melted mature white Cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect side dish for a cozy meal or festive occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western/European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cream Mixture
- 400ml / 1¾ cups double cream (whipping cream, no half and half or single cream)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 bay leaves
- A few thyme sprigs
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
Butternut Squash
- 1kg / 2lbs large butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced
Topping
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)
- 100g / 1 cup mature white Cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare and Infuse the Cream: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream with salt, crushed garlic clove, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes to develop the herb and garlic flavors.
- Layer the Butternut Squash: Peel, deseed, and thinly slice the butternut squash. Grease a large, shallow baking dish with butter. Layer half of the sliced butternut squash in the dish, then pour half of the infused cream over it. Add the second layer of butternut squash and cover it with the remaining infused cream. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. This step cooks the squash gently in the cream mixture.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mature white Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the cream is simmering around the edges.
Notes
- You can substitute thyme with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the squash is sliced thinly so it cooks evenly and softens fully.
- For a richer dish, use full-fat double cream; using lower-fat creams may affect texture and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main served with a fresh salad.
