Squash Gratin with Mornay Sauce

Introduction

Squash gratin with Mornay sauce is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Combining tender squash, a rich Mornay sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this recipe is both comforting and satisfying. This dish is easy to prepare and can serve as a fantastic side or even a main course for vegetarians. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for making this delectable gratin at home.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Ingredients:

– Bread slices
– Yellow squash
– Shallot
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Mozzarella cheese
– Butter
– All-purpose flour
– Milk
– Heavy cream
– Nutmeg
– Salt and pepper
– Panko

Prep Time

Preparing squash gratin with Mornay sauce is relatively quick and straightforward. The prep work involves slicing the squash, chopping the shallot, grating the cheeses, and preparing the Mornay sauce from scratch. The entire preparation process will take you around a few minutes, making it an ideal dish even for busy days.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The squash gratin requires a moderate cooking time, ensuring the squash is tender and the sauce bubbles beautifully under the breadcrumb topping. After assembling the ingredients in a baking dish, the cooking process typically takes about 20-30 minutes in a preheated oven. In total, this recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish. Yielding several servings, it’s a dish that can feed family and friends comfortably.

With its creamy sauce and golden-brown top, squash gratin with Mornay sauce is a truly satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy evening meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Squash

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash the squash thoroughly under running water and dry it with a clean towel.
3. Cut the squash into even slices, ensuring uniform thickness to promote even cooking.

Cook the Squash

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
2. Lightly sauté the squash slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until slightly tender. Avoid overcooking.
3. Remove the sautéed squash from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Prepare the Mornay Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add in the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Slowly start adding milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, ensuring it combines smoothly.
4. Cook the mixture, whisking regularly, until it begins to thicken.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in shredded cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional desired spices.

Layer the Gratin

1. Take a baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Begin layering the sautéed squash slices in the dish, overlapping them gently.
3. Pour a generous amount of Mornay sauce over the squash layer, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
4. Repeat the layering process until you run out of squash slices, ensuring the topmost layer is covered generously with the sauce.

Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle an even layer of breadcrumbs over the top of the dish.
2. Optionally, you can add more shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.

Bake the Gratin

1. Place the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
3. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Choosing the Squash

Use any type of squash you prefer, such as zucchini, yellow squash, or butternut squash. Smaller slices cook more evenly in this recipe.

Cheese Options

You can substitute the cheese in the Mornay sauce with your preferred cheese, such as Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan, for a different flavor profile.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Optional Add-Ins

For added flavor, consider including cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or garlic in the layers before adding the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Squash gratin pairs wonderfully as a side dish for roasted meats or as a standalone vegetarian main course.
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Cook Techniques

How to prepare the squash

Begin by peeling and removing the seeds from the squash. Slice the squash into thin, even pieces so they cook evenly, and spread them out in a greased baking dish as the base for the gratin.

Making the Mornay sauce

To create the Mornay sauce, start by making a roux with flour and butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in milk to achieve a smooth consistency, cooking until the sauce thickens. Mix grated cheese into the sauce while it is still warm to melt and blend.

Layer and bake

Pour the made Mornay sauce evenly over the prepared squash slices. Ensure the sauce coats all layers. Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Achieve a crispy finish

Optional: For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional cheese over the top of the dish before baking. Broil briefly at the end for extra crunch.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute with other varieties like butternut squash or kabocha. Keep in mind that cook times may vary slightly based on thickness and texture.

What type of cheese works best for Mornay sauce?

The traditional choice is Gruyere, but you can also use other cheeses such as Parmesan, Cheddar, or a mixture of your favorites for a rich and flavorful sauce.

How do I prevent the squash from becoming too watery?

To reduce excess water, pat the squash slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in the baking dish. You can also lightly salt the squash in advance and let it rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the squash and Mornay sauce layers in advance, cover the dish, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it fresh, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if taken directly from the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Mornay sauce uses wheat flour for the roux. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch. Ensure any additional toppings like breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

How should I store leftovers?

Allow the gratin to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Squash Gratin with Mornay Sauce is a delightful dish that combines creamy, cheesy flavors with the natural sweetness of squash. The combination of the buttery squash and rich mornay sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is versatile and can easily adapt to different preferences, making it a wonderful addition to your recipe collection.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Explore a variation using cauliflower as the base for a similar gratin dish with creamy and cheesy goodness.

Baked Sweet Potato with Herb Sauce

Pair the Squash Gratin with baked sweet potatoes dressed in a light herb sauce for a balanced meal.

Grilled Vegetables with Parmesan

Combine Squash Gratin with grilled vegetables sprinkled with parmesan for a nutritious dinner plate.

Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

Serve alongside a spinach and mushroom quiche to add more depth and flavor diversity to the meal.

Herbed Rice Pilaf

Add a side of herbed rice pilaf to complement the creamy and rich flavors of the gratin.