Our easy Delicata Squash au Gratin is a creamy and delicious side dish recipe that is perfect for your next special occasion! Made with the most tender roasted delicata squash, a light and creamy sauce, and all the best melty cheese. The whole family is definitely going to love this one!
The Best Delicata Squash au Gratin
This delicata squash gratin takes the creamy and cheesy goodness of a traditional potatoes au gratin recipe and serves it up over perfectly roasted delicata squash! If you haven’t tried it before, delicata squash is a small but mighty winter squash that has the best flavor. Bonus, you can eat the skin after cooking so no need to peel the skin or do any other prep than cutting and removing seeds. We will definitely be adding this easy side dish to our next Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner, or both!
And if you are looking for more delicata squash recipes, you should definitely try our Fall Farro Salad which includes cubes of roasted delicata squash!
What You Will Need
- whole delicata squash – you should be able to find these in the produce section of your local grocery stores.
- olive oil – just a drizzle over the squash slices to help with the roasting process.
- kosher salt & black pepper – simple seasonings that are always a must!
- butter – a little bit in the hot skillet to start the creamy sauce.
- yellow onion & fresh garlic – perfect for getting the flavors started!
- all-purpose flour – thickening agent for the sauce in this easy recipe. Option to sub with gluten-free flour.
- creamer & chicken broth – slowly add these to the roux for a creamy and smooth base.
- parmesan cheese & gruyere cheese – a cheese combination that is so delicious!
How To Make Delicata Squash au Gratin
The first steps to making this easy au gratin recipe are to prep the fresh squash by cutting them in half (lengthwise), scoop out the insides, and then use a sharp knife to slice them into half moons. Toss these squash slices with some olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then place them in a baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.
While the squash is roasting, you can start the cheesy mixture that you will pour on top. Start by bringing a large skillet to a medium high heat, add the butter to melt, and then sauté the garlic and onion.
Now add the flour to the hot pan.
And whisk to combine and create a thick paste around the onions and garlic.
Then gradually pour in your creamer of choice and broth, while continuously whisking. This will create a smooth and creamy sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the parmesan cheese and a half cup of the shredded gruyere cheese. Mix to melt the cheese.
After the squash is finished roasting, remove from the oven and pour this cheesy sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the gruyere cheese over the top and return to the oven for 8-10 minutes. For best results, finish the baking process with 1-3 minutes under the broiler. This will give the top of the dish a nice, golden brown color.
Best Ways To Serve Delicata Squash au Gratin
This decadent side dish can be served with just about anything! We love adding it to our holiday menu and serve it alongside a traditional turkey and all the other traditional side dishes. Or you can add it to your next family gathering and serve with a roasted chicken and mashed potatoes!
Recipe FAQ
Yes! After delicata squash is cooked, the skin becomes soft and completely edible. If you prefer to not eat the skin, you can use a peeler or sharp knife to remove before cooking. Up to you, but we like to keep it simple and enjoy the added nutrients!
Absolutely! We love the creaminess and flavor that comes along with gruyere and parmesan cheese, but you could also use mozzarella cheese or a white cheddar cheese.
Made this delicious recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Other Side Dish Recipes You Might Like
Delicata Squash au Gratin
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicata Squash au Gratin is a decadent, delicious holiday side dish that is perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!
Ingredients
- 2–3 medium delicata squash, halved and cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, more if needed
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup sweet yellow onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (sub 1-to-1 gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup Nutpods original unsweetened creamer OR heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Prepare delicata squash by remove the ends, slicing in half lengthwise and then cutting into 1/2 inch thick half moons. Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place in rows in an 8×12 baking dish. Place in oven, middle rack, for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add butter and let melt; swirl to coat the pan. Add onion and garlic. Move around until garlic becomes fragrant and onion starts to soften, approx. 1-2 minutes.
- Add flour and whisk to combine with butter to create a paste (aka a roux). Continue whisking while adding the creamer and then broth, approx. 1/4 cup at a time. Continue whisking and letting it simmer until consistency is thick and creamy. If it feels too thick, add another splash or two of broth and stir.
- Remove from heat and add parmesan and 1/2 cup of the Gruyere cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Taste and add any salt or pepper, as desired.
- Pour creamy sauce over roasted delicata squash (after it’s done baking) and then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyere. Return casserole dish to the oven, middle rack and uncovered, for 8-10 minutes. Then move to the broiler for 1-3 minutes (I would recommend leaving the door open so you can watch carefully) or until sauce is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown.
- Remove and let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- *Creamer: I love using Nutpods (ensure it is unsweetened and unflavored) – you can’t tell the difference and it just lightens up this otherwise heavier (but delicious) holiday side dish! Use what works best for you, but I highly recommend you try it!
- Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6oz
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 447.4 mg
- Fat: 10.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.3 g
- Protein: 6.5 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
Mollie says
Perfect addition to our Thanksgiving table. Delicious way to elevate delicata!
Erin says
That makes me so happy to hear, Mollie!! Thanks for leaving a review!!