Merritt's Butternut Squash Gratin

Slightly sweet golden squash is topped with a savory herbed cheese-breadcrumb topping. It's been my signature dish every Thanksgiving for the last 12 years. It takes a bit of work, but it is so, so worth it. Your guests will ask you for the recipe, so be prepared.

• Ready In: 1 hr 55 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  yellow onion, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (2 1/2lb)  butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1  teaspoon brown sugar
• 1  cup chicken broth
• 8  ounces  shredded gruyere cheese
• 8  ounces  shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 1  cup  dry breadcrumbs
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh thyme
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh rosemary
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until the onions soften and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the butternut squash and brown sugar. Continue cooking and stirring until the butternut squash begins to brown on the edges, but is still somewhat firm in the center, about 10 minutes more. Scrape the squash into the prepared baking dish, and pour in the chicken broth. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the liquid has been absorbed and the squash is tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Toss together the Gruyere cheese, Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, thyme and rosemary in a bowl until evenly combined. Remove the foil from the baking dish, and sprinkle the squash evenly with the cheese mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Return to the oven, and bake uncovered 15 minutes more until the topping is lightly cruchy and brown.