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4.7 from 42 votes

Creamy Chayote Gratin

This creamy gratin uses an often overlooked vegetable -- Chayote squash!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 263 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 2 chayote squash
  • 2 shallots minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 11/2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère emmental or comte cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup fresh breadcrumbs or dried

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray four 1/2-cup ramekins with vegetable spray and arrange on a baking sheet, set aside.
  2. Fill a medium saucepan 3/4 full with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.
  3. Slice the chayote in half lengthwise and remove the seed. Add the chayote to the boiling water reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30-35 minutes or until tender. (Test tenderness by poking the squash with a sharp knife -- if the knife comes out easily and without resistance, the squash is cooked.) Transfer the squash to the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times to puree. If squash is very liquid-y and loose, pour it into a fine mesh sieve and strain the excess liquid from the puree. Transfer the puree to a bowl and set aside.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, melt the butter and add the shallots. Saute the shallots until tender and translucent. Sprinkle in the flour and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to coat the shallots, cooking for about 1 minute. Add the milk, stirring constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for one minute and remove from heat. Stir in the chopped thyme and 3/4 cup shredded cheese. Add the béchamel sauce to the puree and stir to combine.
  5. Divide the gratin evenly into the 4 ramekins and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until gratin is bubbly and breadcrumbs are toasted. Let the gratin sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 263kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 48mg (16%) Sodium 3434mg (143%) Potassium 211mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 500IU (10%) Vitamin C 9.8mg (11%) Calcium 401mg (40%) Iron 1.6mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 263

% Daily Value*

Calories 263kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 3434mg 143%
Potassium 211mg 4%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 500IU 10%
Vitamin C 9.8mg 11%
Calcium 401mg 40%
Iron 1.6mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.