When the first cool nights roll in, this Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin is exactly the kind of comforting, cheesy bake you’ll want on the table. Delicata squash is only in season for a brief stretch from late summer into early fall, and it happens to be one of the most user-friendly winter squashes you can buy—no peeling needed. Even better, it’s lower in carbs and higher in fiber than many other winter squash varieties, which means you get all the creamy, roasty flavor with a lighter nutritional footprint. If you love hearty casseroles that don’t weigh you down, this one’s a keeper.
Save this Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin so you can make it while delicata is still in season!
Why Delicata Squash Belongs in Your Fall Rotation
Delicata looks like a striped, oblong gourd, and beneath that pretty exterior is a cook’s dream. The thin, edible skin softens as it roasts, so you skip peeling entirely—huge time saver. Leaving the skin on adds pleasant texture and extra fiber, which helps lower the net carbs per serving. It also roasts beautifully, caramelizing at the edges and bringing a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory sausage and melty cheese.
A Happy Accident That Turned Into a Signature Dish
This recipe came to life during a test run for stuffed delicata squash. After roasting the squash boats, there was far more sausage-and-pepper filling than we needed. The impromptu solution? Combine the roasted delicata, the sizzling sausage mixture, and a generous layer of mozzarella in a casserole dish, then bake it until bubbling and golden. The result was so good it instantly became a fall tradition—even for picky squash eaters.
What You’ll Need for This Gratin
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make this casserole shine. You can use turkey or pork sausage, and feel free to adjust the heat level.
- Delicata squash (about 3 medium, roughly 8 inches each)
- Olive oil
- Italian herb blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Italian sausage (turkey or pork; hot or mild)
- Yellow onion, chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
Tip: The squash is not peeled—its tender skin is totally edible and adds fiber and flavor.
Step-by-Step: From Sheet Pan to Skillet to Oven
Below is a concise overview of the process so you know what to expect. It’s simple, satisfying, and weeknight-friendly.
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the ends from the delicata, halve lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Cut most of the squash into 1-inch pieces; dice the trimmed end pieces smaller (about 1/3 inch) so they cook quickly on the stovetop.
- Roast the larger squash chunks. Toss with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes, until tender but not collapsing.
- Brown the sausage. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Remove sausage from its casing, crumble, and cook until browned. If the sausage releases liquid, continue cooking until it evaporates and the meat caramelizes.
- Sauté the aromatics. Transfer sausage to a bowl. Add a bit more oil to the pan and cook onion and green bell pepper until softened and beginning to brown. Season with more Italian herbs, then combine with the sausage.
- Pan-cook the small squash cubes. Add the remaining oil, then sauté the smaller squash pieces until soft and lightly browned, about 7–8 minutes. Stir the sausage, onion, and pepper mixture back into the pan to heat through.
- Assemble the gratin. Lightly oil a baking dish (about 10 x 12 inches or similar). Layer the hot roasted delicata in the bottom, spoon the sausage-and-pepper mixture over the top, and finish with an even blanket of mozzarella.
- Bake until golden. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and nicely browned at the edges. Serve hot.
Carbs, Protein, and Smart Swaps
One of the reasons this delicata squash casserole is so popular is the balance of comfort and nutrition. When portioned into eight servings, each serving lands around 7.2 net carbs and about 24 grams of protein. Prefer heartier portions? If you divide it into six servings, plan on about 9.5 net carbs and roughly 32 grams of protein. Actual numbers will vary with your sausage choice and cheese brand, but this gives you a solid benchmark.
Prefer substitutions? Try these easy swaps and additions:
- Sausage: Use mild or hot Italian sausage, turkey or pork. Plant-based sausage works too—brown it well for best flavor.
- Veggies: Swap in red bell pepper, add mushrooms, or toss in a handful of baby spinach at the end to wilt.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts like a dream; mixing in a little cheddar or provolone adds a sharper bite.
- Herbs: Italian seasoning keeps things classic; thyme or sage adds autumn vibes.
Serve It as a Low-Carb Meal
This gratin is satisfyingly complete on its own, but it pairs especially well with simple, low-carb sides that let the cheesy squash-and-sausage flavors shine.
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlicky sautéed broccoli or broccolini
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic drizzle
- Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower
Make-Ahead Tips, Storage, and Reheating
Planning ahead? This dish is a meal-prep workhorse. Assemble and bake it on the weekend, then enjoy quick reheat-and-eat dinners all week.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions wrapped tightly; note that squash can soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain excellent.
Seasonal Availability: Don’t Wait Too Long
Delicata squash is a seasonal treat, typically appearing in markets from late summer through early fall. Once it’s gone, it’s usually gone until next year—so if you see those pretty striped squashes, grab them. This gratin is the perfect excuse to make the most of their short season.
If You Love Winter Squash, You’ll Love This
Delicata has a loyal following, and for good reason. For many, it’s the gateway squash—easy to prep, naturally sweet, and endlessly versatile. This very recipe has even been spotlighted in a roundup of the best delicata squash ideas, which speaks to its fan-favorite status. If you’re already a butternut or acorn devotee, consider this your next must-try.
Why This Matters
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or carb-heavy. With delicata’s edible skin, hands-off roasting, and naturally lower-carb profile, this sausage gratin brings together practicality and indulgence in one bubbling dish. It’s a weeknight-friendly casserole, a make-ahead lifesaver, and a seasonal celebration all at once. Get it on your table while delicata is in season, and expect clean plates—even from the squash skeptics.
