As the cool breezes of autumn begin to sweep through my little kitchen, I can’t help but think of the comforting, cozy meals that fill our home with warmth and happiness. Just the other day, while wandering through the farmer’s market, I stumbled upon the most beautiful Red Kuri squash. Its vibrant, pumpkin-like hue and smooth texture immediately captured my heart, and I knew I had to bring it home. There’s something magical about squash in the fall – it evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter around the dinner table, and, of course, the absolutely divine Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin.

This dish is a beautiful marriage of sweet, nutty squash and tangy blue cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only stunning but also packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat. Trust me when I say this gratin is truly comforting and will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare on a weeknight – you’ll only need about an hour!
Perfect for impressing friends at dinner parties.
A delightful combination of sweet and savory that warms your soul.
Vegetarian-friendly and budget-conscious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy gratin. Make sure to seek out the freshest ingredients for the best flavor!

1 medium Red Kuri squash, peeled and sliced thinly (about 4 cups)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a bubbling dish of gratin perfection.

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your gratin cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust.
Prepare the squash: Carefully peel and slice your Red Kuri squash into thin, even slices. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook nicely without turning mushy.
Sauté the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced squash, sautéed onions and garlic, heavy cream, blue cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to combine but don’t overmix; you want to keep some of the squash intact for texture.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the squash mixture for that perfect crunchy topping.
Bake it: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the squash is tender. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy fall dream!
Cool and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This gratin is perfect served warm, alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s get a little playful, shall we? Here are some fun twists and tips to make this gratin truly your own:

Add more herbs: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
Switch up the cheese: While blue cheese brings a delightful tang, feel free to use goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a milder flavor.
Spice things up: A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can elevate this dish to new heights!
Gluten-free option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like crushed cornflakes or ground almonds.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is versatile and pairs beautifully with so many things! Picture this: a warm slice of gratin alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Or serve it with crusty sourdough bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s also fabulous with roasted chicken or steak if you’re feeling fancy. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite white wine to complement those rich flavors!

Storage Tips

Oh, the beauty of leftovers! If you have any of this delectable gratin left (which I doubt!), here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezing: To freeze, let the gratin cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of Red Kuri?

Absolutely! Butternut squash or acorn squash would work beautifully too. Just adjust your cooking time based on the type you choose.

How do I know when the gratin is done?

Your gratin is done when the top is golden and crispy, and a fork easily pierces the squash. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gratin a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this dish?

This gratin pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted meats, or even just some crusty bread for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delightful Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin that I hope becomes a favorite in your home just as it has in mine. I love hearing how my friends put their spin on recipes, so please let me know in the comments how yours turns out! Did you try a fun variation? Pair it with a unique side? I can’t wait to hear about your cozy kitchen adventures!