Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola
This week, #SundaySupper is Squashing Winter with recipes featuring all of our favorite winter squash. I suppose I could have gone out of the box with kabocha or canary hubbard or delicate, but I chose to stay with a basic that is one of my favorites and then to reinvent a tried and try recipe that is also one of my favorite, hopefully bringing new life to both staples with this Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola.
I told you a little while ago about how I have a million cookbooks and never cook anything out of them. Well guess what – this recipe is from a cookbook! Or the original version is from a cookbook, but naturally I had to change it up a bit. I have made the Butternut Squash Gratin with Pesto from Giada’s Family Dinners many times, and I LOVE it. Honestly, I am not sure what possessed me to make it. In my opinion, the combination of flavors sounds totally bizarre – basil pesto and parmesan with butternut squash?! Weird! But it works ridiculously well.
So naturally I had to go and make it completely different…
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Sage is the herb that most evokes the essence of autumn and winter for me, and it pairs so perfectly with butternut squash, with it earthy herbaceous flavor as a perfect counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the squash. Then you get the pungent bite of gorgonzola. I love Giada’s original version, but I may love this one more! The Hubby loved it, too, and The Bug devoured it both the night I first made it, and a couple nights later when we polished off the leftovers!
The chill is definitely in the air now, just the season for all of these lovely winter squash, but we actually enjoyed Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola on one of the warmer days we’ve had in the past few weeks, so I sent The Hubby outside to grill some flank steak. However, this would also be a lovely side dish to a roast chicken, slow cooked pork tenderloin, or maybe even if you are looking to modernize your Thanksgiving menu.
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And make sure you check out the entire menu for Squashing Winter at the bottom of this post!
What is your favorite winter squash?
Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola
Ingredients
For the gratin:
- one 3 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1/4 c sage pesto
- 1 c 4 oz crumbled gorgonzola cheese
For the sage pesto (makes about 1/2 c):
- 1 c packed fresh sage leaves
- 2 T chopped walnuts
- 1/4 t kosher salt
- 1/8 t pepper
- 1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the gratin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and coat an 8-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large pot with a steamer insert, bring a couple of inches of water to a boil, add the squash to the steamer rack, and steam about 20 minutes, until very tender.
- Transfer squash to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread half of the squash in the prepared dish. Top with half of the pesto, dropped in small dollops then carefully spread over the squash. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the pesto.
- Repeat the layers.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until heated through and browning around the edges.
For the sage pesto (makes about 1/2 c):
- In a blender of food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the cheese and puree until smooth.
- Stir in the cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Enjoy!
Do you love butternut squash as much as I do? Then check out these recipes…
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- Soul-Warming Butternut Squash Soup with Sage & Thyme
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Pomegranate Quinoa
- Browned Butter Whipped Butternut Squash
Plus an entire menu of Winter Squash goodness from the #SundaySupper team:
Breakfasts and Breads
- Maple Butternut Squash Donuts from Mess Makes Food
- Pumpkin Sweet Rolls from Basic N Delicious
- Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Nutmeg Icing from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Appetizers, Starters, and Condiments
- Butternut Squash and Couscous Patties-Indian Inspired from Soni’s Food
- Pumpkin Hummus with Spiced Lamb from girlichef
- Quick Pumpkin Butter from Shockingly Delicious
Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili from Supper for a Steal
- Black Bean Pumpkin Soup from What Smells So Good?
- Butternut Squash and Bacon Grilled Cheese from Ruffles & Truffles
- Butternut Squash Soup from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Hearty Quinoa Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash from Citronlimette
- Roasted Buttercup Squash and Black Bean Soup (Dairy free) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Vegetable Soup from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
- Roasted Squash and Mexican Black Bean Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Roasted Squash and Sesame Noodle Salad from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Main Dishes
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Quesadillas from The Dinner-Mom
- Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Butternut Squash Lasagna from Hip Foodie Mom
- Butternut Squash-Sage Cream Sauce with Sausage Spaghetti from Daily Dish Recipes
- Carnival Squash with Maple Sausage Stuffing from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Butternut Squash with Spicy Wild Rice and Queso Fresco from Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Pumpkin Alfredo from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Pumpkin Enchiladas from La Cocina de Leslie
- Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon, Goat Cheese, and Pecans from The Weekend Gourmet
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Pizza from Curious Cuisiniere
- Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Messy Baker
- Spaghetti Squash in a Creamy Sausage Sauce from Cookin’ Mimi
- Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi from Pescetarian Journal
Side Dishes
- Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Cranberries from Noshing With The Nolands
- Butternut Squash and Apple Crumble from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Chorizo and Craisin Stuffed Acorn Squash from Family Foodie
- Parmesan-Roasted Acorn Squash from The Urban Mrs
- Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese from Big Bear’s Wife
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Balsamic Vinegar Honey Butter from Food Lust People Love
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Wilted Kale, Mushrooms and Garlic from Take a Bite Out of Boca
- Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon from Magnolia Days
- Slow Cooker Squash and Apples from Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Sweet N Spicy Baked Chipotle Butternut Squash Fries from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Twice Baked Pumpkin Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Desserts
- Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting from Treats & Trinkets
- Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars from Pies and Plots
Wine Pairing Recommendations for Squashin’ Winter #SundaySupper from Enofylz Wine Blog
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Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Sage pesto, very different, Brianne!
Brianne Izzo says
It was so good!!
Soni says
Ooh I love your sage pesto with the walnuts!!Gorgonzola seems like a great idea for your gratin too.Delicious flavors going on all around!
Brianne Izzo says
We enjoyed the sage pesto on pizza too!
Laura says
Sage and butternut squash were meant to be together. This gratin sounds like such a perfect side dish to add to my menu this year.
Brianne Izzo says
I agree, I love squash and sage!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Oh wow… I love the flavors in this! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing at Marvelous Mondays this week- Pinned!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Carrie!
Heather @ French Press says
what a unique dish – I LOVE the blue cheese
Brianne Izzo says
Can you ever go wrong with blue cheese?
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
So many yummy flavors in this! Thanks for sharing.
Brianne Izzo says
Thank you Marjory.
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Ok, seriously would have never thought of mixing those flavors but sometimes those are the best combinations. {the ones we never think of that is} Looks delicious! Pining this and totally need to give it a try! Thanks Brianne!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Krista!
Rachel @ {i love} my disorganized life says
I agree, it would be perfect with pork tenderloin!
Brianne Izzo says
A perfect fall or winter dinner.
Katie says
I am so with you – I have a few shelves filled with cookbooks – I read them and mark good recipes when I get them, but do I ever make anything from them? Nope. What is wrong with this picture????
Brianne Izzo says
It is such a bad habit 🙂
Shaina says
Omg this looks incredible! That sage pesto, YUM! I need to make this!!!!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks! You should try it!
Family Foodie says
Gorgonzola and pesto sound delicious with butternut squash. I love all the flavors in this recipe… yum!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Isabel. I want to make more dishes with these flavors!
Sunithi says
That looks really good ! love all the flavors going on! Also love the way you neatly displayed it in layers. I would have just smushed it up!
Brianne Izzo says
Haha, I love the layers!
Kim@Treats & Trinkets says
I love sage with butternut squash. They’re such a great pair. This sounds fabulous.
Brianne Izzo says
Sage is perfect with squash – tastes like fall!
kathia Rodriguez says
This is a dish pack with a lot of good flavors.
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Kathia!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
This looks fantastic. And although I love Giada’s food, I think your sage pesto sounds spot-on perfect with the butternut. And then with gorgonzola?! Perfect!!
Brianne Izzo says
I hate to mess with Giada, but I’ve made her version so many times that I needed a change.
Liz says
I believe you! A weird combo of ingredients, but since I like them all separately, so I’m thinking they’d be fabulous all together!!!
Brianne Izzo says
It was a fabulous combo.
Tara says
You sure got me with the gorgonzola!!! What a brilliant dish!! Thanks for sharing Brianne!!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Tara. I am always a sucker for any kind of blue cheese, too.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Sage pesto is genius!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Dorothy. The leftovers were good on a pizza!
Shannon R says
I love that you used gorgonzola. I bet it doesn’t get lost with the other flavours and just makes an awesome side.
Brianne Izzo says
I do think the bold flavor of Gorgonzola was a perfect touch.
Heather // girlichef says
I am right there with you on the sage and gorgonzola additions to squash – why mess with perfection!? 😉 This looks beyond amazing.
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks so much Heather. They are a great flavor combo.
Susan 30A EATS says
Anything topped with Gorgonzola is for me, and your recipe looks divine! Great side to the steak!
Brianne Izzo says
I agree – love Gorgonzola!
Marie@citronlimette says
Gorgeous dish! On my list!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Marie!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yummy! I love it!! What a great idea and it would be perfect for having on Thanksgiving or Christmas, heck anytime of the week!
Brianne Izzo says
No need to wait till a holiday. It looks impressive, but is really easy.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Wow, this looks delicious. Go Giada (every recipe of her’s I’ve tried is always delicious). I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Brianne Izzo says
You really can count on Giada. I just got her new cookbook, but hadent flipped through it too much yet.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I’m finding the most interesting squash recipes today. This one is no exception! I love the idea of pairing squash with Gorgonzola cheese, sage and walnuts! YUM!!!
Brianne Izzo says
Thanks Renee. There are some really creative dishes.
Renee says
I have lots of cookbooks too and seem to always go for the same ones. I need to start going through the others and finding gems. And speaking of gems, I love the gorgonzola and pesto on top of the butternut squash.
Brianne Izzo says
I know, I have to do the same.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
I have a million cookbooks too, cook from them and still feel I never touch them; so many! Blue cheese is amazing, and it goes so well with squash. I’m loving this idea Brianne! Though I’d love to try the pesto variation too..
Brianne Izzo says
Not gonna take anything away from Giada – her recipe is awesome.