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Cheesy Delicata Squash and Kale Casserole

A slice of delicata squash and kale casserole on a pink plate with a fork.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks

Thinly sliced squash and kale (plus plenty of ricotta cheese) combine in this lasagna-like casserole that's perfect for a hearty winter dinner. Quick-pickled raisins and nutty hazelnuts add brightness and crunch.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1

/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1

cup golden raisins

1

large delicata squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4" half-moons

5

sprigs thyme

3

garlic cloves

4

tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan

1

3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1

teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1

/2 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped

8

ounces ricotta

3

/4 cup heavy cream

8

ounces low-moisture shredded mozzarella, divided

1

/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

1

/2 bunch (about 6 ounces) Tuscan kale, stemmed, thinly sliced

Special Equipment

A 2-quart baking dish

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring vinegar and 1/3 cup water to a simmer in a small pot. Remove from heat. Add raisins, cover, and let sit until ready to use.

    Step 2

    Divide squash, thyme, and garlic between 2 rimmed baking sheets; arrange in a single layer. Toss with 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Roast 12 minutes. Toss, then add hazelnuts to 1 section of 1 sheet. Continue to roast until hazelnuts are toasted and browned and squash is tender and cooked through, about 6 minutes more.

    Step 3

    Whisk ricotta and cream in a medium bowl until smooth. Add 6 oz. mozzarella, 3/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp. pepper and whisk to combine. Remove thyme leaves from stems and add to cheese mixture. Coarsely chop garlic, add to cheese mixture, and stir to combine.

    Step 4

    Transfer hazelnuts to a large bowl. Add panko, 2 Tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and toss to combine. Set aside 1/4 cup panko mixture.

    Step 5

    Drain raisins. Add kale, squash, and raisins to remaining panko mixture in large bowl and toss to combine.

    Step 6

    Grease 2-qt. baking dish with oil. Add half of squash mixture, then dollop with half of cheese mixture. Top with remaining squash mixture, then dollop with remaining cheese mixture. Top with remaining 2 oz. mozzarella and reserved 1/4 cup panko.

    Step 7

    Bake casserole until mozzarella is melted and browned in spots and edges are bubbling, 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.