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!
248 days ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Love squash! I'm going to have to make this but what the heck is gruyere cheese??
248 days ago
sparrowgrey says:
Looks good; I'm not a fan of squash typically, but this sounds tastey.
248 days ago
acuriousbrood says:
Mmm, timely, I have a butternut and need to make some magic. Looks good.
248 days ago
StyleGraphicDesign says:
Love cooking and this recipe looks delicious and inspired!
248 days 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?
248 days ago
TheIDconnection says:
Yummmmm I'm so looking for fall to cook some good ole fall cooking :) Great post :)
248 days ago
curiousfool says:
The recipe looks delicious! Could you do it with a sheep or goat milk based cheese?
248 days ago
Italianhearts says:
Awesome thanks for sharing we are both foodies and love new recipes! With love from italian Hearts Old World Pasta Sauces
248 days ago
MegansMenagerie says:
That looks incredible! Yummy!!!
248 days ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
Looking forward to making this recipe, and honored to have my organic butternut squash seeds featured in the related items.
248 days 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!
248 days ago
thelittlemarket says:
this is perfect!! I love butternut squash!! thank you!!
248 days ago
VivaGailBeads says:
looks yummy!
248 days 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!
248 days ago
jalouseclothing says:
ooooo
248 days ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Yummmm!!!
248 days ago
CarryTheWord says:
That looks delish!
248 days ago
rarebeasts says:
Ok now I'm hungry!
248 days ago
mtraub says:
Oh, butternut, how I have missed you.
248 days ago
SilverandEarth says:
Wow.....this sounds delightful!
248 days ago
JillianReneDecor says:
Oh my gosh that looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
248 days ago
LaurelCanyonBeads says:
YUM! This is going on my holiday menu for sure... thanks for sharing!
248 days ago
AliKan says:
Ohh looks so nice! A must for the holidays!
248 days ago
TheScarfTree says:
My absolute favourite vegetable! Yum yum!
248 days 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!
248 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Interesting recipe, thanks for sharing.
248 days ago
RdScrpion says:
I love squash! Can't wait to try this one. Thanks for sharing.
248 days ago
wwbc says:
Do you deliver?!!! Thanks for the recipe. I'm going out to the garden tonight to pick some!
248 days ago
bovinebubbles says:
this looks so good. I have ample amounts of buttercup squash. Must try!
248 days 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
248 days ago
AprilsMarieJewelry says:
Looks Delish!
248 days 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 :)
248 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Yum! Need to try this soon!
248 days ago
LynnsMix says:
love a new vegetarian recipe!
248 days 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
248 days ago
bhangtiez says:
Yum Yum!
248 days ago
TheMillineryShop says:
This Butternut Gratin makes me want to lick the screen.
248 days ago
maclancy says:
making it and taking it to an end of summer potluck this weekend ahead! thanks!
248 days ago
breadandroses says:
Butternut is my favorite squash and this fresh take looks luscious! Thanks.
248 days ago
valnsal says:
This sounds really good, thanks! Withlove from Unique Scripture Creations
248 days ago
JodysVintage says:
I have a basketful of butternut squash from the garden! Always looking for new recipes..this looks yummy!
248 days 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... :)
248 days ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Looks amazing!
248 days ago
anniekdesigns says:
Can't wait to try that recipe! Looks so yummy!
248 days 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*
248 days ago
NutfieldWeaver says:
Our butternuts are just about ready to pick. I'm a sucker for anything with butternut & sage. And cheese.
248 days ago
laurengibson says:
looks so good! printing this recipe and making it tomorrow! thanks!!!
248 days ago
MyAmberColouredWorld says:
Oh wow I can not wait to make this!! I love Autumn ^_^
248 days 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) :)
248 days ago
lrock212 says:
Mmm, that looks really good! :) I'm exciting for fall cooking.
248 days ago
paintedfishstudio says:
i can't wait to give this a try! thank you, etsy & kimberley!
248 days ago
sarlesnatalya says:
need to try this one!
248 days 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.
248 days ago
thevelvetheart says:
My favorite in fall is spaghetti squash stir fried with vegetables. This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.....
248 days ago
TandJsoaps says:
Yummy! Love squash and gruyere. Never thought of putting them together. Thanks! Can't wait to try it.
248 days ago
2TrickPony says:
mmmmmm. yummmy!
248 days ago
OakleyCraftworks says:
Looks great! I will definitely try this.
248 days ago
starlingbathbodyhome says:
I love everything in this recipe! Yummo! Can't wait to try it.
248 days ago
QueenBeeVintiques says:
Looks like a wonderful recipe for a wonderful time of year!
248 days ago
birdie1 says:
This sounds heavenly! I WILL be trying this.
248 days ago
katernst says:
this looks and sounds great, I will try this!
248 days ago
Iammie says:
That looks so good!
248 days ago
blueeyedartist says:
Sounds absolutely decadent! I'll give it a try :) Thanks for sharing!
248 days ago
smellyrhino says:
mmmm. I can't wait to try this. wow, all my favorite ingredients.
248 days ago
angpange says:
Me too, This sounds so delicious!
248 days ago
uniquecraftscanada says:
Sounds great, i will definitely try this one.Thanks
248 days 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!
248 days ago
paramountvintage says:
so yummy! i want to make this tonight!
248 days ago
bedouin says:
ohhh this looks good !!
248 days ago
BeadBead says:
yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! Printing and adding items to grocery shopping in the morning! Thank you for sharing!!! xo Sab
248 days ago
bstudio says:
I'll be trying this one soon! thank you!
248 days 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!
248 days ago
NannyMadeandfound says:
This looks fabulous!
248 days ago
happyfamily says:
Yum yum, fall food is so fun! Thanks for sharing this!
248 days ago
scandivintage says:
Thank you! :)
248 days ago
iowajewel says:
looks soooo yummy! thanks for the recipe!
248 days ago
SellmySeoul says:
Great, now I'm hungry. Hahaha, gotta make this! Squash is so yummy.
248 days ago
FluffyFlowers says:
sounds delicious! i'm going to try it :)
248 days ago
blessedvintage says:
that looks so good blessings
248 days 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.
248 days ago
PomLove says:
WOW. i want.
248 days ago
BohemiaJewellery says:
What a great writer - very talented! And of course I can't wait to try the recipe.....
248 days ago
BetaPorHomme says:
I want to try this IMMEDIATLEY !
248 days ago
hkinnally says:
This recipe looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
248 days ago
judygovintage says:
I cut and paste that recipe right into my "gotta try this" collection of recipes!
248 days ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Looks perfect for a chilly fall day!
248 days 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.
247 days ago
FranceGallery says:
This sounds and looks wonderful!!
247 days ago
pamelam says:
ooh, I love squash recipes and this one looks like a keeper. Thanks!!
247 days ago
hcwoodcraft says:
Sounds like a great recipe and I love the setup!
247 days ago
Zalavintage says:
Woke up to 60 degrees this morning, can't wait to try this recipe, give us more!
247 days ago
alessandragerevini says:
A love squash! This recipe is great!
247 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
This looks so yummy! I can't wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
247 days 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!
247 days ago
jackandjillwedding says:
butternut squash is God's gift to the vegetable kingdom. yay for fall recipes!
247 days ago
tuvatreasure says:
Looking forward to making this with goat cheese!!
247 days ago
kittencrochet says:
I am making this tonight! I looks delicious!
247 days ago
williepearl says:
that looks insane. I am going to cook that tonight. Thank you!
247 days ago
caseydrautz says:
definitely making this tonight!! thanks! xoxo
247 days 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!
247 days ago
rmoralespottery says:
Delicious article, beautiful photos and great accompanying featured items. Thank you you for choosing my bowl. RMoralesPottery
247 days ago
aBirdintheHeart says:
This looks fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing. :)
247 days ago
robinseggbleunest says:
Well I know what we're having for dinner tonight! Thanks for the inspiration!
247 days 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.
247 days 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!
247 days ago
FoxandHoundVintage says:
Sounds so good! Sending this to my sister!
247 days ago
whybecause says:
Oooh, it sounds delicious! I just don't think the rest of my family would agree... :(
247 days 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?
247 days ago
sharonmooradian says:
Yum!!! Going to close up shop early and start cooking. Thanks!
247 days ago
MidnightGypsyAlchemy says:
Wow, such simple ingredients but what a gourmet creation..love it ! Another one to add to li'l recipe box ! :)
247 days ago
iacua says:
This looks delicious-I will have to try it!
247 days 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 :)
247 days ago
bellaoceana says:
Adding it to must try in the kitchen list. Great ingredients and wonderful for Fall! Thank you!
247 days ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
that sounds amazing - must try it!
247 days ago
ErganeStudio says:
Wow, that sounds good. Maybe with pecans instead of hazelnuts?
247 days ago
PattiTrostle says:
I just may have to try the recipe! Sound good!
247 days 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.
247 days 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
247 days 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 :)
247 days ago
HibouCards says:
Btw the gruyere you showed, the aged over 60 days kind, is the best ever! I eat it like candy :)
247 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Yum.com! I have to try this!
246 days ago
MeadowbelleMarket says:
Tasty!! Thanks for posting a vegetarian dish :)
246 days ago
WintergreenDesign says:
Saved... it looks scrumptious : )
245 days 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 :-)
245 days 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).
244 days 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!
243 days 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!
242 days ago
metalicious says:
Yum yum yum!!!
240 days ago
worldvintagebooks says:
I'm going to try this!
240 days ago
dashery says:
Yummy! Can't wait for it to get cool enough to try this!
240 days ago
thespelllingbee says:
Could cry with the inherent goodness of this recipe, definately a "save and make." Thanks for sharing!
240 days ago
thewhatnaught says:
I can't wait to try this recipe-- it sounds and looks so delicious! yum yum yum
240 days ago
iamyournewhandbag says:
Oh my, I have got to make this ASAP-looks so delisha!
240 days 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!
240 days ago
lisasim says:
Thank you! I'm going to try this soon! :)
240 days ago
wiredroxz says:
I love squash and this recipe looks and sounds DELICIOUS......definitely going to make this......merci beaucoup :)
238 days 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!
238 days ago
littleyellowyarrow says:
This looks deeeeelicious! Thank you for a lovely and simple recipe.
238 days 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. :-)
236 days ago
found300 says:
|O my this look so good cant wait to make it. Thanks
232 days ago
ArgentTonic says:
I love to cook with pumpkins!! I will definitively try this recipe! Its looking good!!
231 days 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!
231 days 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!!!!
208 days 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...
207 days ago
WingedSelkie says:
Sounds delishious!!
206 days 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
195 days ago
feltstories says:
i love this
157 days ago