Fall has a habit of sneaking up on me. The quality of sunlight pales into a lovely shade of translucent yellow. The air crisps up; perhaps there is a whiff of fire smoke. And before we know it, we’re all cozied up in scarves and hats and thick socks, pulling musty coats from their summer homes beneath beds and in the backs of closets, and fantasizing about soups and rich mugs of hot chocolate.
This gratin, however, does no sneaking. It’s straightforward in its enthusiasm for the season, but graciously so. It employs a host of cozy flavors that give great depth to the dish; the butternut squash is bathed in apple cider vinegar, tossed with caramelized onions and topped with nutty Gruyere cheese, fresh sage and crunchy, toasted hazelnuts.
Kimberley Hasselbrink
Butternut Squash Gratin
3 pounds butternut squash, peeled
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, sliced lengthwise
1.5 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh, chopped sage
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice the butternut squash into 1/2″ rounds, then quarter each round. Remove seeds. Toss the diced squash in the apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of olive oil. Arrange on a large baking sheet and generously salt and pepper.
Kimberley Hasselbrink
Roast squash until cooked through but still firm, about 30-35 minutes.
While the squash is roasting, caramelize the onions. Place in a medium skillet over a low flame. Cover, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and jammy, about 20-25 minutes.
Remove squash from oven and set aside to cool, about ten minutes.
Grease a medium cast-iron skillet or casserole dish. Arrange a layer of squash, followed by a layer of onions. Add the remaining squash. Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese evenly over the squash, followed by the toasted hazelnuts and one tablespoon of the sage.
Bake the gratin until the cheese is golden and melted, about another 20 or 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven, and top with the remaining sage.
Kimberley Hasselbrink
Kimberley Hasselbrink is a food photographer and blogger based in San Francisco. She is the author of the blog The Year in Food, which is framed around a monthly seasonal food guide. Kimberley enjoys unusual produce, strong coffee, road trips and summer nights.
148 comments
Sign in to add your ownVintageEye says:
Squash is my favorite vegetable & this recipe looks delicious! Thanks!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Love squash! I'm going to have to make this but what the heck is gruyere cheese??
1 year ago
sparrowgrey says:
Looks good; I'm not a fan of squash typically, but this sounds tastey.
1 year ago
acuriousbrood says:
Mmm, timely, I have a butternut and need to make some magic. Looks good.
1 year ago
StyleGraphicDesign says:
Love cooking and this recipe looks delicious and inspired!
1 year ago
FloraChild says:
Ohh my goodness! I have all those ingredients but minus the hazelnuts and adding some goat cheese...do you think it would still be good with cashews or almonds?
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
Yummmmm I'm so looking for fall to cook some good ole fall cooking :) Great post :)
1 year ago
curiousfool says:
The recipe looks delicious! Could you do it with a sheep or goat milk based cheese?
1 year ago
Italianhearts says:
Awesome thanks for sharing we are both foodies and love new recipes! With love from italian Hearts Old World Pasta Sauces
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
That looks incredible! Yummy!!!
1 year ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
Looking forward to making this recipe, and honored to have my organic butternut squash seeds featured in the related items.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Gosh that looks gorgeous! I could just eat it now, could do with a bit of autumnal warmth. Kinda reminds me of pumpkin risotto!
1 year ago
thelittlemarket says:
this is perfect!! I love butternut squash!! thank you!!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
looks yummy!
1 year ago
weezieduzzit says:
I'll keep this in mind. My butternut squash are still a few weeks from being picked. I planted 6 vines of them so I'll be needing a LOT of new ideas!!! It looks like a warm yummy side for an upcoming holiday meal!
1 year ago
jalouseclothing says:
ooooo
1 year ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Yummmm!!!
1 year ago
CarryTheWord says:
That looks delish!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Ok now I'm hungry!
1 year ago
mtraub says:
Oh, butternut, how I have missed you.
1 year ago
SilverandEarth says:
Wow.....this sounds delightful!
1 year ago
JillianReneDecor says:
Oh my gosh that looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
1 year ago
LaurelCanyonBeads says:
YUM! This is going on my holiday menu for sure... thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
AliKan says:
Ohh looks so nice! A must for the holidays!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
My absolute favourite vegetable! Yum yum!
1 year ago
TheHappyPapaya says:
I am someone who likes to eat the produce that is in season. And now it's getting to be fall which means all sorts of yummy squash. This recipe looks delicious. I'm sure I'll be giving it a try. Thanks!
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Interesting recipe, thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
RdScrpion says:
I love squash! Can't wait to try this one. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
wwbc says:
Do you deliver?!!! Thanks for the recipe. I'm going out to the garden tonight to pick some!
1 year ago
bovinebubbles says:
this looks so good. I have ample amounts of buttercup squash. Must try!
1 year ago
continentaldrift says:
Hey all! About cheeses: Gruyere is a French cheese used in fondue. You can definitely find it at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Goat cheese is a great substitute and will totally work! So will walnuts, for sure. Not so sure about cashews, but it couldn't hurt to experiment! - Kimberley
1 year ago
AprilsMarieJewelry says:
Looks Delish!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
We love anything with Gruyere cheese! Lately we've been just toasting bread covered with thin slices of Gruyere cheese and sliced ripe tomatoes- for a simple and yummy diy pizza slice. Does anyone make anything else with your Gruyere cheese? Do share- it's our favorite cheese :)
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Yum! Need to try this soon!
1 year ago
LynnsMix says:
love a new vegetarian recipe!
1 year ago
MerCurios says:
Yummy! I make a butternut squash chili in the fall and winter. Got the recipe out of Slow Cooking Magazine, I think. Can't wait to try this one. xo, MJ
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Yum Yum!
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
This Butternut Gratin makes me want to lick the screen.
1 year ago
maclancy says:
making it and taking it to an end of summer potluck this weekend ahead! thanks!
1 year ago
breadandroses says:
Butternut is my favorite squash and this fresh take looks luscious! Thanks.
1 year ago
valnsal says:
This sounds really good, thanks! Withlove from Unique Scripture Creations
1 year ago
JodysVintage says:
I have a basketful of butternut squash from the garden! Always looking for new recipes..this looks yummy!
1 year ago
beeanddew says:
This looks really good - I love squash! I'm on a diet though, so I'll cut back a bit on the cheese... :)
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Looks amazing!
1 year ago
anniekdesigns says:
Can't wait to try that recipe! Looks so yummy!
1 year ago
everythingok says:
I happen to have a buttercup and a delicata squash at home right now - I know what I'm doing tomorrow! *bookmarks; salivates; goes to happy food place*
1 year ago
NutfieldWeaver says:
Our butternuts are just about ready to pick. I'm a sucker for anything with butternut & sage. And cheese.
1 year ago
laurengibson says:
looks so good! printing this recipe and making it tomorrow! thanks!!!
1 year ago
MyAmberColouredWorld says:
Oh wow I can not wait to make this!! I love Autumn ^_^
1 year ago
FauxFurPetBakery says:
Wow! Delicious and right on time for the shift in seasons. Beauty at it's culinary finest. Thank you! (Too many exclamation points?!?! - That's how excited I am about making this beautiful dish) :)
1 year ago
lrock212 says:
Mmm, that looks really good! :) I'm exciting for fall cooking.
1 year ago
paintedfishstudio says:
i can't wait to give this a try! thank you, etsy & kimberley!
1 year ago
sarlesnatalya says:
need to try this one!
1 year ago
Officeboy01 says:
Funny how I was thinking about a delicious food recipe today and it appears. I bet the toasted hazelnuts highlight the squash in this dish. I had the opportunity to taste some wonderful dessert today and I may add this dish to share.
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
My favorite in fall is spaghetti squash stir fried with vegetables. This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.....
1 year ago
TandJsoaps says:
Yummy! Love squash and gruyere. Never thought of putting them together. Thanks! Can't wait to try it.
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
mmmmmm. yummmy!
1 year ago
OakleyCraftworks says:
Looks great! I will definitely try this.
1 year ago
starlingbathbodyhome says:
I love everything in this recipe! Yummo! Can't wait to try it.
1 year ago
QueenBeeVintiques says:
Looks like a wonderful recipe for a wonderful time of year!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
This sounds heavenly! I WILL be trying this.
1 year ago
katernst says:
this looks and sounds great, I will try this!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
That looks so good!
1 year ago
blueeyedartist says:
Sounds absolutely decadent! I'll give it a try :) Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
smellyrhino says:
mmmm. I can't wait to try this. wow, all my favorite ingredients.
1 year ago
angpange says:
Me too, This sounds so delicious!
1 year ago
uniquecraftscanada says:
Sounds great, i will definitely try this one.Thanks
1 year ago
PruAtelier says:
WOWWW....does that look GOOOOD! I just love the slight sweet and sour aspect to it! I like to make a soup which is with butternut squash, apples and cheddar cheese....it's usually a hit!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
so yummy! i want to make this tonight!
1 year ago
bedouin says:
ohhh this looks good !!
1 year ago
BeadBead says:
yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! Printing and adding items to grocery shopping in the morning! Thank you for sharing!!! xo Sab
1 year ago
bstudio says:
I'll be trying this one soon! thank you!
1 year ago
sweetpeasoup says:
ok, I'm running out at the crack of dawn to get these ingredients. & i'm so breaking my no cheese rule!
1 year ago
NannyMadeandfound says:
This looks fabulous!
1 year ago
happyfamily says:
Yum yum, fall food is so fun! Thanks for sharing this!
1 year ago
scandivintage says:
Thank you! :)
1 year ago
iowajewel says:
looks soooo yummy! thanks for the recipe!
1 year ago
SellmySeoul says:
Great, now I'm hungry. Hahaha, gotta make this! Squash is so yummy.
1 year ago
FluffyFlowers says:
sounds delicious! i'm going to try it :)
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
that looks so good blessings
1 year ago
BellaLinaBoutique says:
Mmmmmm!!!!! It's only 5:40 a.m. & I'm hungry. LOL Sounds absolutely divine & would make a great pairing with my butternut squash soup. It has apple in it as well with fresh nutmeg.
1 year ago
PomLove says:
WOW. i want.
1 year ago
BohemiaJewellery says:
What a great writer - very talented! And of course I can't wait to try the recipe.....
1 year ago
BetaPorHomme says:
I want to try this IMMEDIATLEY !
1 year ago
hkinnally says:
This recipe looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
judygovintage says:
I cut and paste that recipe right into my "gotta try this" collection of recipes!
1 year ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Looks perfect for a chilly fall day!
1 year ago
auntyem71 says:
Timing! Was in desperate need of culinary inspiration - perfectamondo! Plus we had the first autumnal nip in the air this morning (in Germany) followed by beautiful sunshine- perfect excuse for a colourful yet warming dish of an evenin'. Thanks for posting.
1 year ago
FranceGallery says:
This sounds and looks wonderful!!
1 year ago
pamelam says:
ooh, I love squash recipes and this one looks like a keeper. Thanks!!
1 year ago
hcwoodcraft says:
Sounds like a great recipe and I love the setup!
1 year ago
Zalavintage says:
Woke up to 60 degrees this morning, can't wait to try this recipe, give us more!
1 year ago
alessandragerevini says:
A love squash! This recipe is great!
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
This looks so yummy! I can't wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
LittleBlossomDesigns says:
hooray for squash! i can't wait to try this recipe, i even copied the link to my mom to share with my brother who loves to cook :) thanks for posting!
1 year ago
jackandjillwedding says:
butternut squash is God's gift to the vegetable kingdom. yay for fall recipes!
1 year ago
tuvatreasure says:
Looking forward to making this with goat cheese!!
1 year ago
kittencrochet says:
I am making this tonight! I looks delicious!
1 year ago
williepearl says:
that looks insane. I am going to cook that tonight. Thank you!
1 year ago
caseydrautz says:
definitely making this tonight!! thanks! xoxo
1 year ago
FairyStitchMother says:
I just got some butternut squash and was wondering what to do with the last of my sage out in the garden! Thank you!
1 year ago
rmoralespottery says:
Delicious article, beautiful photos and great accompanying featured items. Thank you you for choosing my bowl. RMoralesPottery
1 year ago
aBirdintheHeart says:
This looks fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing. :)
1 year ago
robinseggbleunest says:
Well I know what we're having for dinner tonight! Thanks for the inspiration!
1 year ago
NopalitoVintageMore says:
I'm heading out to buy the ingredients today!!! AND if finally feels like Autumn today, YAHOO. I love the passing of summer into Autumn!!! Thanks for the recipe.
1 year ago
Shellybean79 says:
Sounds fantastic! I love fall and all the things that come with! Going to the farmers market tomorrow for the ingredients. :) Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
FoxandHoundVintage says:
Sounds so good! Sending this to my sister!
1 year ago
whybecause says:
Oooh, it sounds delicious! I just don't think the rest of my family would agree... :(
1 year ago
muir2 says:
great recipe..... I have lots of yellow squash....and cheddar cheese and walnuts........maybe you have given me an inspiration for another use for yellow squash....or does anybody have a recipe for me?
1 year ago
sharonmooradian says:
Yum!!! Going to close up shop early and start cooking. Thanks!
1 year ago
MidnightGypsyAlchemy says:
Wow, such simple ingredients but what a gourmet creation..love it ! Another one to add to li'l recipe box ! :)
1 year ago
iacua says:
This looks delicious-I will have to try it!
1 year ago
carrieelaine says:
Sounds wonderful! I think this will be on my dinner table very soon, though I am going to toss my veggies in some cream and cheese before adding the toppings. I like my gratin nice and gooey :)
1 year ago
bellaoceana says:
Adding it to must try in the kitchen list. Great ingredients and wonderful for Fall! Thank you!
1 year ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
that sounds amazing - must try it!
1 year ago
ErganeStudio says:
Wow, that sounds good. Maybe with pecans instead of hazelnuts?
1 year ago
PattiTrostle says:
I just may have to try the recipe! Sound good!
1 year ago
handstosew says:
I just happen to have some Gruyere in the fridge, will just need to buy some butternut squash and fresh sage. Will make this on Sunday for company. Can't wait! Hope the weather cooperates and the heat and humidity don't come back UNTIL NEXT SUMMER! Thanks for what looks like a great recipe. I love anything made with butternut squash.
1 year ago
boundlesspossibil8ys says:
You got me. That photo makes it look too good to resist, especially for someone who likes their meat on the hoof. Thanks
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
Yummy! That's one of the things I love about Fall... the food that goes with it! By the time Summer is done I'm also done with big salad and cold meals and I'm longing for soup and comfort food :) this recipe looks amazing and I will be trying it this weekend! thanks for getting us started on an amazing Fall season :)
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
Btw the gruyere you showed, the aged over 60 days kind, is the best ever! I eat it like candy :)
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Yum.com! I have to try this!
1 year ago
MeadowbelleMarket says:
Tasty!! Thanks for posting a vegetarian dish :)
1 year ago
WintergreenDesign says:
Saved... it looks scrumptious : )
1 year ago
VernaKayG says:
I just had to save it to my FB wall to share with my friends.... I so want to try to make this.... love the photos of the dish as well.... thank you :-)
1 year ago
kasiabrenna says:
I made this over the weekend, and I would make it again with a few changes. It comes out rather dry following the instructions above, and the flavors don't seem to meld. Next time I would add a layer of cheese in the middle with the onions, and add some sort of liquid (cream, milk, or stock).
1 year ago
continentaldrift says:
Hey kasiabrenna, thanks for the feedback. I like to make food that is on the healthier side without sacrificing flavor. So I opted not to go too heavy on the dairy by forgoing cream, as you would find in a traditional potato gratin. Perhaps I should have addressed this when writing about the recipe above. I landed on that combination of flavors because I felt that that they complemented the squash really well and didn't find it to be dry at all. Sometimes the littlest detail - such as the age of the squash and how much water is in it - can make a huge difference in the final dish. Better luck next time!
1 year ago
modernrubbishsf says:
Cant wait to try this one! Anything with butternut squash and sage, and I'm sold, unfortunately my significant other doesn't dig butternut squash. Oh well that just leaves more for me!
1 year ago
metalicious says:
Yum yum yum!!!
1 year ago
worldvintagebooks says:
I'm going to try this!
1 year ago
dashery says:
Yummy! Can't wait for it to get cool enough to try this!
1 year ago
thespelllingbee says:
Could cry with the inherent goodness of this recipe, definately a "save and make." Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
thewhatnaught says:
I can't wait to try this recipe-- it sounds and looks so delicious! yum yum yum
1 year ago
iamyournewhandbag says:
Oh my, I have got to make this ASAP-looks so delisha!
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Looks Fabulous!!! My daughter loves to cook too! This is something she would love to make! And we'd love to eat!
1 year ago
lisasim says:
Thank you! I'm going to try this soon! :)
1 year ago
wiredroxz says:
I love squash and this recipe looks and sounds DELICIOUS......definitely going to make this......merci beaucoup :)
1 year ago
MoonpieMandie says:
OH-EM-GEE!! This is so making my mouth water. The squash bathed in apple cider vinegar caught me at the beginning, then topping it with gooey cheese...... I have to go get the ingredients for this!
1 year ago
littleyellowyarrow says:
This looks deeeeelicious! Thank you for a lovely and simple recipe.
1 year ago
mercyskye says:
I also made this recently and loved most everything about it, but agree with kasiabrenna that it seemed dry. However, I didn't think adding extra cheese or cream was the answer... When we reheated this for leftovers, we crumbled a little bacon and Hungarian sausage over it. It tasted so different that I am considering adding a layer of this the next time I make it. For some reason the flavors really melded for us this way. Thanks for sharing this recipe - anything to convince me to try squash is a good thing. :-)
1 year ago
found300 says:
|O my this look so good cant wait to make it. Thanks
1 year ago
ArgentTonic says:
I love to cook with pumpkins!! I will definitively try this recipe! Its looking good!!
1 year ago
TheBeardedTwig says:
This was delicious! Want to try it with sweet potatoes instead of squash next time! I also subed the Guyere cheese(expensive) with domestic swiss. Turned out great!
1 year ago
Zalavintage says:
Wow! I finally had a chance to try the recipe this weekend and wow wow wow, an explosion of taste, rich, full bodied, perfect combination for the fall. It was a huge hit in our house and is definitely going on the permanent Thanksgiving menu. Kimberley, give us more!!!!
1 year ago
Lavistaasta says:
I love butternut squash. I often back it by just cutting in half and use it as a side dish with curry for example. Or top it with red beens with nuts crushed with garlic or mince with cheese...Delicious! Definitely will try your recipe very soon...
1 year ago
WingedSelkie says:
Sounds delishious!!
1 year ago
RelicaJewelry says:
Wow. This is a great recipe. But I couldn't print or copy? Is it copyrighted in a way that doesn't permit pasting or am I messing it all up? lol
1 year ago
feltstories says:
i love this
1 year ago