a square slice of casserole being lifted from a dish

Au Gratin-Pumpkin Layered Casserole

Autumn Elegance: Where Comfort Meets Flair in Au Gratin

Experience the essence of Autumn with this Au Gratin creation. This comforting dish features layers of fresh spinach (or kale), rich ricotta, and a velvety pumpkin Parmesan sauce. The combination of these fall-inspired ingredients delivers a cozy and flavorful experience that perfectly complements the season’s warmth and richness. Serves: 8-10

Ingredients
  • 2 packages Idahoan® Au Gratin Homestyle Casserole (Item #15987)
  • 2 cups firmly packed fresh spinach or kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped
  • 1 Ib container of ricotta
  • 2 egg
  •  Pumpkin Parmesan sauce, prepared (recipe below)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare Idahoan® Au Gratin Homestyle Casserole following the “stove top” directions on the package

3. In a 9 x 13″ casserole dish, layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the spinach or kale over potatoes. Blend the ricotta and eggs together and use half of this mixture to layer on top of the spinach. Layer next with 1½ cups of pumpkin sauce.

4. Repeat layers one more time, garnishing with Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

 

Pumpkin-Parmesan Pasta Sauce
Ingredients 
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, chopped
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1-15 oz-can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp ground sage
  • ½ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
Directions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add shallots and onion and sauté until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and sauté one minute more. Add pumpkin, broth, cream, vinegar, and spices to the onion, shallots, and garlic mixture.
  3. Stir to blend and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Gradually stir in 1/3 of the cheese to the sauce until blended.
  4. Repeat with another 1/3 of the cheese. When cheese is melted add remaining cheese. Stir in chopped fresh sage