Patty Pan Squash Gratin with Gruyère Thyme
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what to do with those adorable little flying saucer shaped squash? I'm talking about patty pan recipes , folks! They're delicious and I'm making a Patty Pan Squash Gratin today.
You'll love this cheesy, herby flavor explosion!
Brief Overview
Gratins are French, fancy, and fabulous. This one is too. This Patty Pan Squash Gratin with Gruyère & Thyme takes about an hour, start to finish.
This recipe yields about six servings and is rated as medium.
Main Benefits
This is the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, it is elegant enough for a dinner party.
Honestly, what makes this gratin special is that it transforms something simple into something wow . It also makes an excellent Patty Pan Squash Side Dish
Okay, let's get this party started!
Time to Grab Your Ingredients
Ready to cook? You will need patty pan squash , of course. Also: cheese, butter, milk, and some herbs. This isn't some crazy, complicated recipe. It uses everyday ingredients.
Here's what you need to make the best Gruyere Patty Pan Recipe :
- 1.5 lbs patty pan squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- White pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- (Optional) Substitution Zucchini or yellow squash
step-by-step Preparation Guide
First, you prep the squash. Slice it thinly. Thin slices are key . Then, you'll be making a classic béchamel sauce. It sounds intimidating, but trust me, you've got this.
Next, layer everything in a baking dish. Squash, sauce, cheese, repeat. Finally, bake it until bubbly and golden. Don't forget to let it rest before digging in! If you like the sound of this Vegetarian Gratin Recipes and I think you do.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing Patty Pan Squash Gratin ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.
Remember, we're aiming for that "hug from your grandma with a Michelin star" vibe with this one of the patty pan recipes .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for Patty Pan Recipes
Okay, so for the main players in our patty pan squash recipes , you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) patty pan squash . Get a mix of colors if you can. It looks so pretty. When you're picking them out, make sure they feel firm and the skin is smooth.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil . Just the regular stuff, nothing fancy needed.
And for that dreamy béchamel sauce :
- 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter . Seriously, splurge on good butter. It makes a difference.
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour .
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk . Warming it up is key to prevent lumps!
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg .
- 1 cup (100g) grated Gruyère cheese . Oh my gosh, this cheese. Don't skimp here!
Finally, for that extra zing :
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves .
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Notes for Patty Pan Squash Gratin
The thyme is crucial. It adds that earthy, comforting note. Nutmeg in the béchamel? Total game changer!
Flavor Enhancers : You could even add a clove of garlic to the béchamel for a bit more oomph!
Quick Subs : No thyme? Rosemary or sage will work in a pinch. If you don't have Gruyère, Emmental or Jarlsberg are good substitutions .
If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano will do it!.
Equipment Needed for Patty Pan Squash Recipes
Don't stress too much about equipment. Here's what's essential:
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish .
- Whisk .
- Medium saucepan .
Optional: A mandoline. It makes slicing the patty pan squash evenly so much easier but a sharp knife works too. No mandoline? No worries!
Right then, that's everything you need! Let's get this patty pan squash gratin show on the road! Remember, the aim of the game is a delicious vegetarian gratin recipes , right?
Cooking Method: Patty Pan Squash Gratin
Okay, let's get this gratin party started! We're diving into my Patty Pan Squash Gratin. It is a super comforting dish.
This is one of those summer squash recipes that feels fancy. But honestly? It is dead easy to make. This gratin uses the natural flavor.
It elevates those cute patty pans. I've got a little trick. To avoid any mushiness in the process, it is important to prep properly.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Essential mise en place: Thin slices are key here. Grab those Patty pan squash and try your best to make them as similar as possible.
I like using a mandoline. Saves so much time. But a steady hand with a knife works too. Toss the slices with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper. It is a total must.
Time saving tip: Warm your milk for the béchamel. Sounds fussy, I know. This prevents lumps. And nobody wants lumpy sauce! It makes all the difference in the Patty Pan Squash Gratin .
Safety: Watch those fingers with the mandoline! Use the guard, you legend!
step-by-step: Gratin Glory
- Prep the Squash: Slice the patty pan squash thinly. Remember to toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Béchamel Time: Melt butter. Whisk in flour. Cook 1- 2 minutes . Slowly add warm milk. Whisk constantly.
- Simmer until thick, 5- 7 minutes . Stir in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Layer it Up: Grease a baking dish. Layer squash, sauce, Gruyere Patty Pan Recipe , and thyme.
- Repeat layers. End with béchamel.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes .
- Rest: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Gratin Guru
Expert tip: Don't overcrowd the dish. Thin slices are key . Even slices ensure even cooking and proper browning. Overlapping is okay. But too much and they'll steam instead.
Common mistake: Forgetting to season! Salt and pepper are your friends. Season every layer. This brings out the squash's sweetness.
make-ahead option: You can assemble the gratin a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge. Bake as directed when you're ready.
This is great for dinner parties. I find that it helps to get this squared away in the morning.
So there you have it, a super easy recipe that uses common Patty Pan Substitution Zucchini ingredients. Now go forth and gratinate!
Recipe Notes and Nifty Know How
Okay, let's get this party started! We're diving deeper into patty pan recipes , particularly this utterly gorgeous Patty Pan Squash Gratin .
Honestly, this isn't just a recipe; it's a blueprint for flavour success.
Plating Perfection and Perfect Pairings
Presentation matters, right? Think rustic charm. Serve your Patty Pan Squash Gratin straight from the baking dish. Scatter a few extra thyme sprigs on top.
It's the perfect side for Sunday roast or a fancy vegetarian feast. For drinks, I reckon a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even some sparkling elderflower cordial.
And if you are thinking of an even faster and delicious meal, why not try another type of Easy Patty Pan Squash Recipes .
Storage Secrets for the Patty Pan Squash Gratin
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This gratin keeps well. Fridge it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing isn't ideal, as the béchamel can get a bit grainy.
But reheating is a breeze. Pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through and bubbly about 15- 20 minutes .
Variations: Make it Your Own
Feel like tweaking? Go for it! For a dairy-free version, try almond milk and some good quality vegan cheese. Works a treat, honestly.
Or switch up the herbs. Rosemary or sage would be equally divine. For a more Vegetarian Gratin Recipes option, add some mushrooms into the mix! And if you find no more patty pan squash, use the Patty Pan Substitution Zucchini .
Nutrition Nuggets for Our Patty Pan Squash Side Dish
So, this Patty Pan Squash Gratin is delicious, but is it good for you? Well, each serving packs a decent punch of protein (15g) and a healthy dose of those good fats (22g).
It's got fibre (2g) too, which is always a plus. And patty pan squash itself is packed with vitamins. Okay, the cheese adds calories (320 per serving), but hey, everything in moderation, right?
Right then! I hope these tips help. Don't be scared to experiment and have a bit of fun. And remember, cooking should be a joy. Happy gratin ing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are patty pan squash, and can I use them in other patty pan recipes?
Patty pan squash are a type of summer squash, known for their unique, flying saucer shape! They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour, making them incredibly versatile. Absolutely! They can be used in most summer squash recipes think of them as the "little black dress" of the squash world; they work for nearly every occasion.
Just adjust cooking times as needed, as smaller ones will cook faster.
Help! My patty pan squash gratin turned out watery. What went wrong?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! A watery gratin usually means the squash released too much moisture during cooking. Make sure your squash slices are thin, and don't overcrowd the baking dish.
You can also try salting the squash slices and letting them sit for about 30 minutes before layering, then patting them dry to remove excess water. Think of it like prepping for a "Bake Off" attention to detail is key!
Can I make this patty pan squash gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the gratin up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like having a "ready meal" but way fancier!
I'm trying to eat healthier what are the nutritional benefits of these patty pan recipes, and how can I make them even healthier?
Patty pan squash is naturally low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. To lighten up this gratin, you could use skim milk for the béchamel, reduce the amount of cheese, or substitute half the Gruyère with a lower fat cheese.
Roasting the squash instead of layering it with a creamy sauce is another healthy option. Think "slimming world" but still delicious!
What are some good variations to these patty pan recipes? I'm looking to mix things up a bit!
Get creative! Try adding roasted garlic to the béchamel for a richer flavour, or sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Different herbs, like rosemary or sage, can also add a unique twist. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Think of it as putting your own signature on a classic go on, channel your inner Gordon Ramsay!
How long will leftover patty pan squash gratin last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover gratin will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave it (although the texture might be a bit softer), or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Covering it with foil during reheating will prevent it from drying out. It's almost as good as day one promise!
Patty Pan Squash Gratin With Gruyere Thyme
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |