Pumpkin baked with cheese is a savory and comforting dish that combines the creamy, nutty flavors of cheese with the sweetness of roasted pumpkin. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a main course. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for you to try:
Pumpkin Baked with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 small to medium-sized pumpkin (such as sugar pumpkin or butternut squash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. You can also peel the pumpkin if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
- Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary (if using). Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
-
Roast the Pumpkin:
- Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin cubes with minced garlic (if using), shredded cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or casserole dish.
- Pour the heavy cream or milk over the pumpkin and cheese mixture.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, such as parsley or thyme.
- Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.
Tips:
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Gruyère and cheddar work particularly well, but you can experiment with others like mozzarella or Gouda.
- Texture Variation: For added texture, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
This pumpkin baked with cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that highlights the sweet and savory flavors of pumpkin in a creamy, cheesy casserole. Enjoy!
