Description
This recipe for Baked Butternut Squash offers a delightful, savory way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Tender slices of butternut squash are seasoned with fresh sage and garlic, brushed with a buttery olive oil mixture, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before baking to perfection. The resulting dish is flavorful, aromatic, and perfect as a comforting side for any meal.
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 large butternut squash (peeled)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped sage
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Topping
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the squash.
- Prepare Squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds to prepare the squash for slicing.
- Slice Squash: Slice the peeled butternut squash into ½-inch thick slices, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Arrange and Season: Place the squash slices in a single layer in a 9″x13″ baking dish. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, chopped fresh sage, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Brush Mixture on Squash: Evenly brush the butter and herb mixture over each butternut squash slice to infuse flavor and add moisture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the squash slices for a savory finish.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start softening the squash.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil cover and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the squash is tender and cheese is lightly browned.
- Season and Serve: Remove from oven, season with extra salt and black pepper if needed, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- To peel butternut squash easily, score the skin with a knife and use a sturdy vegetable peeler.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on serving day.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and Parmesan or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh sage adds great flavor, but dried sage can be used if fresh is unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon.
- Ensure even slicing for uniform cooking and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American