Butternut Squash Gratin with Onions and Sage

By bunny_2

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cups thinly sliced onions
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 2 Tbsp. chopped sage or 2 tsp. dried
• Salt and freshly milled pepper
• 6 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere or Fontina
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. heated whole milk
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil or butter a 2-quart gratin dish.

Heat half the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, thyme, and sage and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper to taste. Spread in the gratin dish, return the skillet to medium heat, and add the remaining oil.

Toss the squash in the flour, letting the excess fall away. Add it to the pan and cook until it begins to brown in places on both sides, about 7 minutes. Add the parsley, season with salt and plenty of pepper, and cook for 1 minute more. Layer the squash over th onions, cover with the cheese, then add the milk. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover, add the bread crumbs, and bake until the top is browned and the liquid absorbed, about 25 minutes more.