Cheesy Delicata Squash and Kale Casserole

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 large delicata squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4" half-moons
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan
• 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces ricotta
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces low-moisture shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 bunch (about 6 ounces) Tuscan kale, stemmed, thinly sliced
• A 2-quart baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring vinegar and 1/3 cup water to a simmer in a small pot. Remove from heat. Add raisins, cover, and let sit until ready to use.
2. Divide squash, thyme, and garlic between 2 rimmed baking sheets; arrange in a single layer. Toss with 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Roast 12 minutes. Toss, then add hazelnuts to 1 section of 1 sheet. Continue to roast until hazelnuts are toasted and browned and squash is tender and cooked through, about 6 minutes more.
3. Whisk ricotta and cream in a medium bowl until smooth. Add 6 oz. mozzarella, 3/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp. pepper and whisk to combine. Remove thyme leaves from stems and add to cheese mixture. Coarsely chop garlic, add to cheese mixture, and stir to combine.
4. Transfer hazelnuts to a large bowl. Add panko, 2 Tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and toss to combine. Set aside 1/4 cup panko mixture.
5. Drain raisins. Add kale, squash, and raisins to remaining panko mixture in large bowl and toss to combine.
6. Grease 2-qt. baking dish with oil. Add half of squash mixture, then dollop with half of cheese mixture. Top with remaining squash mixture, then dollop with remaining cheese mixture. Top with remaining 2 oz. mozzarella and reserved 1/4 cup panko.
7. Bake casserole until mozzarella is melted and browned in spots and edges are bubbling, 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.