Summer Squash Gratin

This summer squash gratin with bacon elevates simple crookneck squash from fine to fabulous with a topping of Parmesan, breadcrumbs and pine nuts.

Crookneck yellow squash is one of the summer crops I most look forward to although, oddly, they’ve been turning up in my supermarket more often year round. I guess they are being shipping in from somewhere but I always think of them as a southern summer vegetable so I mostly wait for the appropriate season to buy. 

Like asparagus, it takes away from their specialness when they are available all the time! Ditto peaches, nectarines and watermelon. Those are never as sweet as the local summer ripened fruit. 

Summer Squash Gratin

You can substitute zucchini for the squash if you can’t get them. This is the perfect recipe for when there’s a zucchini glut!

Ingredients

3 1/2 oz or 100g smoked bacon

2.2 lbs or 1 kg crookneck squash

2 large cloves garlic, minced

3 1/2 oz or 100g freshly grated Parmesan (or gruyere)

1/2 cup or 70g fresh breadcrumbs 

1/3 cup or 35g pine nuts

Canola or other light oil for greasing the casserole dish

Method

Remove the ends of the squash and slice them into circles. 

Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy in a large skillet. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the rendered fat.

Brown the squash in the bacon fat. Do this in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. We want some nice color on both sides.

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C and lightly grease a casserole dish with oil. 

Once the squash has browned, tip all batches back into the skillet with the garlic and crispy bacon. 

Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish. 

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and breadcrumbs, then top the squash with them. 

Sprinkle on the pine nuts.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the gratin is well golden on top.

Enjoy! 

It’s Sunday FunDay and today we are sharing fresh garden harvest recipes. Many thanks to our host, Renu of Renu Cooks. Check out all the lovely recipes below.

• Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Blender Salsa from Palatable Pastime
• Sweet and Spicy Rhubarb Chutney from Cook with Renu
• Caprese Skewers from Mayuri’s Jikoni
• Fruit Salad with Rhubarb Syrup, Mint and Basil from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Baby Potatoes In Green Gravy With A Twist from Sneha’s Recipe
• Tomato, Garlic, and Basil Bruschetta from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Summer Squash Gratin from Food Lust People Love

 

We are a group of food bloggers who believe that Sunday should be a family fun day, so every Sunday we share recipes that will help you to enjoy your day. If you're a blogger interested in joining us, just visit our Facebook group and request to join.

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