Butternut Squash Gratin With Goat Cheese & Hazelnuts

3 1/2 pounds butternut squash (about 2 medium), peeled, seeded, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes (8 cups)
2 Tbs olive oil
Coarse kosher salt
4 Tbs (1/2 stick) butter, divided
3 cups sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh sage
1 5.5 oz log soft fresh goat cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked, coarsely chopped

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Place butternut squash cubes and olive oil in large bowl; sprinkle with coarse kosher salt and ground pepper and toss to coat. Spread out squash cubes on large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until just tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
2) Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat. 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. Spread half of leek mixture over bottom of prepared baking dish. 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.
3) Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour cream evenly over gratin. Sprinkle with toasted chopped hazelnuts. Bake uncovered until gratin is heated through and cream is bubbling, about 30 minutes (40 minutes if previously chilled).

Review: I was super disappointed to find that Costco did not have the already diced butternut squash today. In fact, I cried inside. So, I had to buy the whole squash and dice it up. That is such an arduous task!!! But, after I tasted this, I knew it was worth it. This is such a great blend of flavors that I wished I’d doubled the recipe - I’d willingly eat it all week. Keep in mind, it did not take 35 minutes for my squash to become tender. At 30 minutes it was almost mush. I cooked it with the rest of the ingredients for only 20 minutes and I probably cooked it 5 minutes too long! Keep an eye on the dish and shorten the cooking times as necessary.