The best qualities of a gratin shine in this incredibly simple side dish: Pieces of sweet butternut squash and a flurry of salty Parmigiano-Reggiano meld with cream to form a warm, cohesive whole.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 cup heavy cream
3 sage leaves
2/3 cup finely grated parmigiano-reggiano
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
Toss squash with cream, sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Bake, covered, 30 minutes.
Stir in half of cheese and sprinkle remainder on top. Roast, uncovered, until squash is tender and beginning to brown, about 20 minutes. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving (cream will thicken).
