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Roasted butternut squash is a delicious, versatile side dish perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday dinners. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of parmesan and the subtle hint of honey. This dish is simple to prepare, yet the flavors are complex, making it a great addition to any meal. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy choice too! In this blog post, I’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe for roasted butternut squash with parmesan, honey, and aromatic spices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prepare: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make this a quick and satisfying dish.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of parmesan, honey, butter, and spices enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A, C, and fiber, making it a wholesome side dish.
- Versatile: You can serve it alongside roasted meats, on top of salads, or enjoy it on its own as a snack.
How to Cut Butternut Squash for Roasting
- Cut into Slices: Once peeled, slice the butternut squash vertically in half. Then, lay the halves flat and cut into even 1 cm thick slices (half-moon shapes). These slices will roast evenly and allow the flavors of the butter, honey, and spices to coat them thoroughly.
- Cut in Half: Begin by cutting the butternut squash in half crosswise, just above the bulbous bottom part where the seeds are. This makes it easier to handle. For this recipe, you’re using the entire butternut squash.
- Peel the Squash: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin. You may need to pass over the surface a few times to get it all off, as butternut squash skin can be quite thick.
Ingredients Notes for Roasted Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash: You’ll use a whole butternut squash for this recipe, including both the top and bottom portions. The natural sweetness of butternut squash is perfect for roasting. It becomes tender and slightly caramelized in the oven, providing a great base for the flavors of parmesan, honey, and spices.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the butternut squash slices get a golden, crispy edge when roasting.
- Parmesan Cheese: The savory, nutty flavor of parmesan complements the sweetness of the roasted squash. It melts over the slices, creating a deliciously cheesy, golden crust.
- Honey: A small amount of honey adds a hint of sweetness and helps with caramelization during roasting. It balances out the savory flavors from the parmesan and butter, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Paprika Powder: Provides a subtle, smoky warmth to the dish. Regular or sweet paprika works well, but if you prefer more depth, smoked paprika can also be used.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the squash. You can substitute with fresh garlic if desired, but garlic powder mixes evenly with the other spices.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and works well with the honey and parmesan.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the squash and other ingredients. Adjust the amount based on whether you’re using salted butter or not.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is sprinkled over the roasted squash at the end to add a pop of color and freshness. It also brings a mild herbal flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Butternut Squash
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and prepare a large baking dish by either lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or oil.
2. Prepare the Squash:
Place the peeled and sliced butternut squash into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Coating:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Pour the melted butter over the squash slices in the bowl. Add the grated parmesan cheese, honey, paprika powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that all the squash slices are evenly coated with the buttery, cheesy, and spiced mixture.
4. Arrange the Slices:
Lay the butternut squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking dish. Make sure the slices are evenly spaced and not overlapping to ensure even roasting.
5. Roast the Squash:
Bake the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the inside is tender. The parmesan will become golden, and the honey will caramelize slightly, adding a wonderful depth of flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This gives the dish a lovely, fresh touch and adds a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash
- Even slicing is key: When cutting the squash, make sure the slices are all similar in thickness, around 1/4 inch, to ensure even cooking. If the slices are too thick, they may take longer to cook, and if too thin, they could burn.
- Use fresh parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan will melt better and add more flavor than pre-grated varieties. If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more parmesan halfway through roasting.
- Honey balance: The honey helps caramelize the squash, but if you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the honey or omit it entirely.
- Try different seasonings: While paprika and garlic powder bring warmth to this dish, you can experiment with other spices such as smoked paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a more autumnal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted butternut squash pairs well with various main dishes, especially roasted meats like chicken, pork, or lamb. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal, or with grains such as quinoa or farro for a wholesome vegetarian option. It’s also a great side dish for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas, adding color and flavor to your table.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The squash will maintain its flavor, though it may lose some crispness after refrigeration.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the roasted squash slices in an oven at 180ºC (350ºF) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave, but the texture won’t be as crispy.
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Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash peeled and sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 50 g parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
- Peel the butternut squash and cut it into 1 cm thick slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash slices, melted butter, grated parmesan, honey, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the slices are well-coated with the mixture.
- Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
