Indulge in a culinary journey with our collection of butternut squash and creamed spinach gratin recipes. These delectable dishes combine the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the vibrant green of creamed spinach, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. From classic gratin recipes baked to golden perfection to innovative variations featuring crispy breadcrumb toppings or tangy cheeses, our recipes cater to every palate. Whether you're seeking a comforting family meal, an elegant dinner party entrée, or a cozy side dish, our recipes will guide you in crafting a culinary masterpiece. Prepare to impress your loved ones with these delightful gratin recipes that showcase the best of seasonal produce.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH GRATIN
I just got back from a quick trip to Miami, Fla. and had something very similar to this at a restaurant called Captain's Tavern. It was so good, I had to try to find the recipe. Here's one gleaned from Gourmet magazine, Nov. 2006 via Epicurious. Enjoy! This is one big casserole, but at the restaurant it was in individual dishes. You may add the cheese between each layer or just use it to top, or leave it out if you prefer! On the website, this has 92 wonderful reviews! this is even better the next day. You can half this recipe and cook in a 9x9" pan. This is so good, serve to company and for the holidays. This recipe calls for slicing raw squash but to make it easier to cut, microwave for 3-5 minutes, or lightly steam or bake and then cut in pieces. The recipe says it will serve 8-10 people but some said it served 12!
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Spinach
Time 1h20m
Yield 8-10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- If using fresh spinach, bring 1 inch water to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart pot over high heat. Add spinach, a few handfuls at a time, and cook, turning with tongs, until wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. You may skip this step if you like, I don't think it's really necessary.
- Thoroughly squeeze cooked fresh or thawed frozen spinach in small handfuls to remove excess moisture(try to get it absolutely dry), then coarsely chop and transfer to a bowl.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in an 8-inch heavy skillet over medium low heat, then cook onion and garlic, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes(you can cook it till caramalized if you like). Add onion mixture to spinach along with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cream and stir to combine.
- Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 400°F Butter a 3-quart shallow baking dish (13 by 9 inches; not glass-I think you could use glass, just be careful when broiling-that's the reason it's not recommended).
- Cut squash to separate bulb section from solid neck section, then cut pieces lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices with slicer or food processor. To make the squash easier to cut, microwave for 3-5 minutes.
- Layer squash and spinach mixture in baking dish, using about one fifth of squash and one fourth of spinach for each layer, beginning and ending with squash. Sprinkle each layer of squash evenly with cheeses and dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then cover directly with a sheet of parchment or wax paper(or use glass lid). Bake until squash is tender and filling is bubbling, 35 to 45 minutes. If you like, you can use individual baking dishes, just note shorter cooking time. I haven't tried baking it individually so cook times are estimated.
- Remove paper and bake gratin until browned in spots, 10 to 15 minutes, or broil 3 inches from heat, 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy!
- Note:.
- If making individual gratins, bake 20-30 minutes.
- Also, for a shortcut, use 3 packages of creamed spinach(cooked) and skip the cream.
- Some reviewers added a little jalapeno(or chipotle peppers and sliced almonds on top.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CREAMED-SPINACH GRATIN
Parmigiano-Reggiano and a generous dose of heavy cream transform butternut squash and spinach into a rich, bubbling gratin.
Categories Gourmet Thanksgiving Fall Side Bake Casserole/Gratin Butternut Squash Spinach Milk/Cream Cheese Dairy Garlic Onion Buffet Parmesan Nutmeg Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Winter Vegetable Christmas Squash
Yield 8-10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- If using fresh spinach, bring 1 inch water to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart pot over high heat. Add spinach, a few handfuls at a time, and cook, turning with tongs, until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
- Thoroughly squeeze cooked fresh or thawed frozen spinach in small handfuls to remove excess moisture, then coarsely chop and transfer to a bowl.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in an 8-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, then cook onion and garlic, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add onion mixture to spinach along with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cream and stir to combine.
- Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 3-quart shallow baking dish (13 by 9 inches; not glass).
- Cut squash to separate bulb section from solid neck section, then cut pieces lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices with slicer.
- Layer squash and spinach mixture in baking dish, using about one fifth of squash and one fourth of spinach for each layer, beginning and ending with squash. Sprinkle top layer of squash evenly with cheese and dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter, then cover directly with a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Bake until squash is tender and filling is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove paper and bake gratin until browned in spots, 10 to 15 minutes, or broil 3 inches from heat, 2 to 3 minutes.
Tips:
- Choose the right butternut squash. Look for a squash that is firm and heavy for its size, with a deep orange color.
- Roast the butternut squash before adding it to the gratin. This will help to caramelize the squash and bring out its natural sweetness.
- Use fresh spinach for the creamed spinach layer. Baby spinach is a good choice, as it is tender and cooks quickly.
- Make sure the bechamel sauce is thick enough. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon without being too runny.
- Grate the cheese fresh. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Bake the gratin until it is golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 25 minutes.
Conclusion:
Butternut squash and creamed spinach gratin is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is also a good way to use up leftover butternut squash or spinach. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and roasted butternut squash, this gratin is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
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