Mediterranean Pumpkin & Carrot Gratin with Whipped Feta and Maple Pecan Crunch
Mediterranean Pumpkin and Carrot Gratin with Whipped Feta and Maple Pecan Crunch is a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Sweet roasted vegetables meet creamy, tangy feta and a crunchy, lightly sweet topping that brings everything together. This gratin balances earthy flavors with brightness and texture, making it perfect for cooler evenings, holiday tables, or a special vegetarian main. Inspired by Mediterranean ingredients and techniques, it relies on olive oil, herbs, and natural sweetness rather than heavy sauces. The result is a layered, satisfying dish that looks impressive but is straightforward to prepare, even for a busy home kitchen.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin & Carrot Base
Pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and sliced thin
Carrots, peeled and sliced thin
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and black pepper
For the Whipped Feta
Feta cheese
Greek yogurt or cream cheese
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Black pepper
For the Maple Pecan Crunch
Pecans, roughly chopped
Olive oil or melted butter
Pure maple syrup
Cinnamon (optional)
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly oil a baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss pumpkin and carrot slices with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables evenly in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes until just tender.
While vegetables bake, blend feta, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a small bowl, mix pecans with olive oil or butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
Remove foil from vegetables and spread whipped feta evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the maple pecan mixture evenly over the feta layer.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips
Slice vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
Use parchment or oil generously to prevent sticking.
Roast vegetables slightly before adding feta for best texture.
Full-fat feta gives the creamiest result.
Do not overblend whipped feta or it may thin out.
Toast pecans lightly beforehand for deeper flavor.
Keep maple syrup minimal for balance.
Let gratin rest before serving to set layers.
Taste feta mixture and adjust lemon or salt.
Serve warm, not piping hot, for best flavor.
Variations
Vegan version: Use dairy-free feta and yogurt.
Sweet potato swap: Replace pumpkin with sweet potatoes.
Nut-free: Use toasted seeds instead of pecans.
Herb-forward: Add fresh thyme or sage on top.
Spicy touch: Add chili flakes to pecan crunch.
Cheesy boost: Add grated Parmesan over feta layer.
Citrus twist: Add orange zest to whipped feta.
Savory crunch: Replace maple with honey mustard glaze.
Individual servings: Bake in small ramekins.
Make it a main: Add cooked lentils under vegetables.
Q&A
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Is pumpkin the same as squash here?
Yes, butternut squash works perfectly.
Can I skip the maple syrup?
Yes, the dish will be more savory.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this gratin?
Freezing is not recommended due to dairy texture changes.
What pan works best?
A shallow ceramic or glass baking dish.
Is this dish very sweet?
No, sweetness is balanced with feta and herbs.
Can I add protein?
Yes, chickpeas or lentils work well.
Can kids enjoy this?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
What should I serve it with?
Grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 360–390
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 5 g
Rich in vitamin A and healthy fats
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pumpkin and Carrot Gratin with Whipped Feta and Maple Pecan Crunch is a beautiful example of how simple vegetables can be transformed into something memorable. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once, it fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners or festive meals. With flexible ingredients and approachable steps, this gratin delivers warmth, balance, and Mediterranean-inspired comfort in every bite.