Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Gratins! Butternut squash, green apple and onion layered with cheese in these mini gratins.
How was your weekend? I spent my Sunday cooking up all kinds of autumnal goodies, which is nice since I haven’t had much to talk about around here lately. {Notice I skipped right over Saturday and my team’s loss at LSU. Ugh.}
Anyway, here we are, mid-way through October and I’ve already ODed on pumpkin recipes. {Ok, not really, but I’m ready to take a little break.}
It’s time to explore other fall produce. We wouldn’t want to make anyone jealous. I’m talkin’ to you, butternut squash.
Cooking is always a lot more fun when you’ve got new items in your kitchen. Like these precious little stoneware Le Creuset Mini Cocottes.
I die.
Are they not just about the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?
When my friends at BigKitchen asked me if I’d be interested in playing around with these, I jumped at the chance. Because they’re adorable, that’s why. And then, the reality of their teensyness hit me and I started wonder what the heck one makes in such itty-bitty little pots.
My mind immediately turned to dessert {because that’s the station that it’s pretty much permanently tuned in to}. Pot de creme? Mini souffle? Creme brulee? Too easy.
I wanted to make something savory, original and, of course, delicious.
These Mini Butternut Squash, Apple & Onion Gratins totally fit the bill. I mean, how perfect are these for a fall dinner party?
Layers of butternut squash, tart green apple and savory onion are punctuated by tiers of gooey cheese. They bubble away until tender, filling the house with the most amazing smell. I loved the sweet and savory combination of the squash and apple… and don’t even get me started on the little bits of slightly burnt cheese. I could probably eat an entire dish of that alone. {Gross, but true.}
Served in their own petite pot, they’ll make each guest feel like whatever is inside was made especially for them.
The good news is you can make pretty much anything you’d make in a big Dutch oven in these diminutive ones. Individual soups, stews, baked eggs, pastas, puddings, dips… the possibilities are endless!
What would you make in these mini cocottes?
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Gratins
9 comments
Elizabeth
Love these and this recipe sounds so good. What would you use to make this recipe if you don’t win these cute pots ? what about making a soup in a bread bowl? Or adult Mac and cheese (with bacon or other good toppings)?
thekitchenprep
Hi Elizabeth, you could really use any small ramekin or small oven-safe vessel. Love the sound of those ideas… perfect fall comfort foods!
thekitchenprep
@brista – Thank you! Aren't they precious?? Desserty things are ALWAYS a good option in my book. 😉 Pies, custards, or brulees sound like the perfect thing! Hope you entered to win these and get to try them out… good luck! 🙂
brista
These are SO cute and I love your idea of doing a gratin. I would probably do a desserty thing since I love mini desserts. Teeny pumpkin pies, maybe? Or tiny apple pies? 🙂
thekitchenprep
@Pat – Make sure you enter to win!! Good luck and Go Gators! {In all kinds of weather, right??} 🙂
Anonymous
I have been wanting these for a ALL time! There's only 2 of us, so the possibilities are endless! GO GATORS!! Love them even with a loss!!
Pat
thekitchenprep
@Carrie – That sounds terrific! Holy moly. Now I wanna go try it out. lol
@Christina – Love it! The possibilities, indeed!
Christina
I'm thinking of a bread pudding, with lots of raisins and cinnamon. Perhaps for breakfast drizzled with maple syrup or for dessert, topped with fresh whipped cream. *sigh* Oh, the possibilities ♥
Carrie Coon
For a brunch in Puerto Vallata, I was served a little pot of chorizo and bean hash topped with grits and a fried egg. Would definitely start there.