Looking for a comforting dish with a blend of sweet and savory flavors? This Apple Leek and Butternut Squash Gratin is a perfect fall-inspired recipe. Combining tender butternut squash, sweet apples, and flavorful leeks, this dish is baked to perfection with a touch of fresh sage and Parmesan cheese. It’s an elegant side dish or vegetarian main that brings warmth and richness to your table.
Apple Leek and Butternut Squash Gratin
Course: Sides, MainCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes50
minutes150
kcalIngredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks, white part only, thinly sliced, washed, and dried
Coarse salt and ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, plus extra leaves for garnish
1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced 1/8-inch thick
1 pound apples (Gala, Cortland, Baldwin, or Macoun), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 1/8-inch thick
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Sauté the Leeks: In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Pour in the dry sherry and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the chopped sage and remove from heat.
- Layer the Squash and Apples: In the greased baking dish, arrange half of the sliced butternut squash in an even layer. Top with half of the apple slices, followed by half of the sautéed leeks. Season each layer with a bit of salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining squash, apples, and leeks.
- Top with Parmesan: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the layers, then sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Gratin: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the squash is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve warm as a side dish or vegetarian main.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 200 mg
This Apple Leek and Butternut Squash Gratin is the perfect combination of sweet apples, savory leeks, and tender squash, layered with a rich Parmesan topping. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a hearty vegetarian main or a comforting side. The mix of textures and flavors makes this gratin a must-try for your next fall or holiday meal.
