Butternut Squash Gratin with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter divided ()
• 3.5 pounds butternut squash peeled seeded cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes (8 cups) ( 2 medium)
• 10 servings kosher salt 
• 1.5 teaspoons sage fresh chopped
• 5.5 ounce goat cheese fresh soft
• 0.5 cup hazelnuts husked toasted coarsely chopped
• 1 cup cup heavy whipping cream 
• 3 cups leek white green sliced ( and pale parts only)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• baking pan

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place butternut squash cubes and olive oil in large bowl; sprinkle with coarse kosher salt and ground pepper and toss to coat.
3. Spread out squash cubes on large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until just tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Add sliced leeks and chopped sage; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until tender but not brown, about 15 minutes. Coat 11x7-inch baking dish with remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
6. Spread half of leek mixture over bottom of prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle with half of squash and half of cheese. Repeat layering with leeks, squash, and cheese. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F.
9. Pour cream evenly over gratin.
10. Sprinkle with toasted chopped hazelnuts.
11. Bake uncovered until gratin is heated through and cream is bubbling, about 30 minutes (40 minutes if previously chilled).
12. This gratin is a good choice for transporting because it travels well. Either complete the dish at home (wrap it tightly to keep warm) or wait until you get to your destination to add the cream and nuts and then bake.