Butternut Squash and Potato Gratin with Walnut Crust

By jjadin

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash (about 2 lb.), peeled
• 2 Idaho potatoes (about 1-1/4 lb. total), peeled
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 Tbs. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs combined with 2 Tbs. melted butter

Details

Servings 9

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch (2-qt.) glass or ceramic baking dish. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and fibers. Slice the squash and potatoes about 1/8 inch thick (use a mandoline if you have one). Line the bottom of the baking dish with a layer of squash (overlapping slightly), season lightly with salt and pepper, sprinkle with a little of the Parmigiano, and drizzle with a little of the cream. Cover with a layer of potato slices, season with salt, pepper, Parmigiano, and cream. Repeat with the remaining squash and potatoes until the dish is full, ending with a top layer of squash, seasoned and topped with any remaining cheese and cream. (You may have extra squash.) Press down lightly to distribute the cream and compact the layers. The last layer of squash should be just sitting in the cream, but not covered by it. Cover the dish with foil and bake until the vegetables feel tender when poked with a thin, sharp knife (check the middle layer), about 1 hour and 10 minutes.