Baked Butternut Squash is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any meal. When baked, the squash becomes tender and caramelized, bringing out its natural sweetness. This recipe is simple and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or holiday gathering.
To make Baked Butternut Squash, you will need a few simple ingredients including butternut squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, you will need to peel and chop the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the squash out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown. Serve the Baked Butternut Squash as a side dish with your favorite protein and enjoy the delicious flavors of this seasonal vegetable.
Ingredients
The following are the essential ingredients needed to make Baked Butternut Squash:
- 1 butternut squash: This is the main ingredient of the recipe. It should be a medium-sized butternut squash, which typically weighs around 2-3 pounds. Make sure to choose a squash with a firm and unbruised skin.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is used to coat the butternut squash before baking. It adds flavor and helps in caramelization.
- Sea salt and black pepper: These seasonings are used to enhance the taste of the butternut squash. They can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Optional toppings: You can add additional toppings to the baked butternut squash for added flavor. Some popular options include grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a drizzle of honey.
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. The sweet and tender butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory seasonings and optional toppings, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
Step-by-step Instructions:
To prepare Baked Butternut Squash, follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Start by cutting the butternut squash in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle olive oil over each half and use your hands to rub it all over the exposed flesh.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash to create long strands, similar to spaghetti.
- Transfer the squash strands to a serving dish and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Butternut Squash!
Expert Tips for Baked Butternut Squash
When it comes to making the perfect baked butternut squash, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves. Here are some expert suggestions to elevate your dish:
- Choose a ripe butternut squash: Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a matte skin. Avoid squash with any soft spots or blemishes.
- Prep the squash properly: Start by peeling the butternut squash with a sharp vegetable peeler. Remove the stem and cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh using a spoon.
- Season generously: To enhance the natural flavors of the butternut squash, season it generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For an added kick, you can also sprinkle some chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Add some sweetener: Butternut squash can benefit from a touch of sweetness. Consider drizzling some maple syrup or honey over the squash before baking it. This will caramelize the sugars and create a delicious glaze.
- Bake at the right temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned squash halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering baked butternut squash dish that is bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked.
Reviews
As someone who loves experimenting with new recipes, I recently decided to try making Baked Butternut Squash for the first time. I had always heard great things about this dish, so I was excited to give it a go. The recipe I found was simple and easy to follow, which was a huge plus for me. I started by peeling and cubing the butternut squash, which was a bit time-consuming but definitely worth it in the end.
Once the squash was prepped, I tossed it in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading it out on a baking sheet. The recipe called for roasting the squash at a high temperature for about 40 minutes, or until it was tender and caramelized. While the squash was in the oven, my kitchen filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. I couldn’t wait to see how it would turn out!
When the timer finally went off, I eagerly pulled the baking sheet out of the oven. The butternut squash had turned a beautiful golden color and was perfectly cooked. I couldn’t resist taking a bite right away, and I was not disappointed. The squash was incredibly creamy and had a slightly sweet flavor that was enhanced by the caramelized edges. It paired perfectly with the savory seasoning and was a true delight to eat. I would definitely make Baked Butternut Squash again in the future and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and healthy side dish.
I recently tried a recipe for Baked Butternut Squash that I found online, and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the sweet butternut squash and savory herbs and spices was a perfect balance of flavors. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was a beautifully baked squash that tasted as good as it looked.
The first step of the recipe involved cutting the butternut squash in half and removing the seeds and pulp. This was a bit time-consuming, but it was worth it in the end. I then brushed the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkled them with a mixture of salt, pepper, and cinnamon. This added a wonderful depth of flavor to the squash.
Once the squash was seasoned, I placed it cut-side down on a baking sheet and roasted it in the oven for about 45 minutes. The smell that filled my kitchen as it baked was amazing! When the squash was tender and caramelized around the edges, I removed it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
I served the Baked Butternut Squash as a side dish with roasted chicken, and it was the perfect accompaniment. The squash was tender and creamy, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It was a hit with my family, who couldn’t get enough of it. I will definitely be making this recipe again in the future, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and healthy side dish.
I recently tried out the recipe for Baked Butternut Squash and I must say, it was a revelation. As someone who loves experimenting with different flavors and textures, this dish really hit the spot for me. The combination of the slightly sweet butternut squash with the savory seasonings and crunchy breadcrumbs was simply divine.
The recipe itself was quite straightforward and easy to follow. The first step was to cut the butternut squash into halves and remove the seeds. I found this to be a bit challenging, as the squash was quite hard, but with some patience, I managed to do it. Then, I mixed together a blend of spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, which gave the squash a warm and aromatic flavor. I also added a bit of brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetable.
Once the butternut squash was seasoned, I topped it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. This added a nice crispy texture to the dish, which contrasted perfectly with the soft and creamy squash. I placed the squash halves on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven for about 45 minutes, until they were tender and the topping was golden brown.
The result was a dish that was not only visually appealing, but also incredibly delicious. The butternut squash was perfectly cooked, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness that was complemented by the savory breadcrumb topping. It was a great side dish to serve with roast chicken or grilled steak, and I can’t wait to make it again.
I recently tried the Baked Butternut Squash recipe and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious. The combination of the sweet squash with the savory herbs and spices was a real winner. The squash was perfectly tender and had a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside.
The recipe was very easy to follow and didn’t require any fancy ingredients. I simply cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, removed the seeds, and then seasoned it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I then roasted it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes, until it was golden brown and fork-tender.
The end result was a dish that was both visually stunning and packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash paired perfectly with the subtle hint of cinnamon, and the olive oil added a richness that brought everything together. This recipe is definitely a keeper and I can’t wait to make it again for friends and family.
This baked butternut squash recipe was incredible! As someone who is always looking for new ways to incorporate vegetables into my meals, this dish was a game-changer. The combination of the sweet and creamy butternut squash with the savory seasonings was absolutely delicious.
First of all, the recipe was incredibly easy to follow. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, I was able to have this dish in the oven in no time. The hardest part was cutting and peeling the squash, but once that was done, it was smooth sailing.
When the squash came out of the oven, it was beautifully golden and slightly caramelized on the edges. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible – it was like a combination of sweet and savory. I couldn’t wait to dig in!
And let me tell you, the taste lived up to the smell. The squash was tender and creamy, with a slight sweetness that was perfectly complemented by the spices. The combination of garlic, thyme, and rosemary added a savory depth of flavor that really made this dish stand out.
I will definitely be making this baked butternut squash again in the future. It was a hit with my family, and I can see it becoming a staple in our fall and winter meals. The best part? It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a vegetable that is packed with nutrients. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
