Butternut Squash and Creamed Spinach Casserole

Chef Erfolg's Note:

I don't know where I got this recipe but it's on a 3x5 card in my file if that gives you a hint. My family has enjoyed this at Thanksgiving and all through the winter months for years. It is REALLY BAD FOR YOU. Probably why it tastes so good.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 4 -5 lbs butternut squash, usually 2-3 large, peeled and seeded
• 4 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach, chopped and well drained
• 1 onion, halved and thin shaved on a mandoline
• 1 leek, sliced thin (white and light green only)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic clove (about 4 cloves)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 -1 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese or 1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Directions:

1. Thaw, drain and press the spinach until very dry. Set aside in colander or on paper towels.
2. Peel and seed the squash, cut lengthwise into pieces about 2-3 inches wide.
3. Adjust your mandoline to about 1/4 in thick and slice all pieces (about the size of very thick potato chips).
4. In a heavy skillet, melt half the butter on low heat and sauté the onion, leek and garlic until they are tender and translucent. Mix well with the spinach.
5. Season spinach mix with salt and pepper.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F.
7. Use as much of the remaining butter as you like to grease a 13x9-inch Pyrex casserole.
8. Layer the bottom of the casserole tightly with squash. Then put a layer of the spinach mixture over that. Sprinkle parmesan over each layer of spinach.
9. Continue layering squash and spinach mixture until you have 5 layers of squash and 4 layers of spinach.
10. Pour cream over entire mixture until it nearly reaches the top layer of squash.
11. Sprinkle a heavy layer of parmesan over the entire casserole.
12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes or until squash is tender. The cream will be boiling.
13. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until parmesan starts to crust.
14. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
15. DIG IN!

Reviews

[shortcakes1968]

I thought this was the best recipe i've tried using Butternut squash, and my most favorite, spinach!! My family seems to never get enough! Thank you so much for sharing! =D

[Chef #487772]

This recipe is delicious. Everyone always wants the recipe.