parmesan roasted butternut squash
Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash
When you think about side dishes, parmesan roasted butternut squash might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it certainly deserves your attention. This dish balances the squash’s natural sweetness with the savory depth of Parmesan, creating a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. You might appreciate its simplicity in preparation and the health benefits it brings to your table. Yet, there’s more to this dish than just its taste and nutrition; its history and versatility can transform your culinary experience. What other surprises does this humble squash hold?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a delicious yet easy dish, you’ll love Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it quick to prepare.
With easy steps like mixing and roasting, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it alongside your favorite proteins or enjoy it on its own.
The combination of parmesan, honey, and spices enhances the natural sweetness of butternut squash, creating a flavor-packed side dish. It’s healthy too, loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for overall nutrition.
You can even customize it with different seasonings to suit your taste. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress.
History
Although butternut squash may seem like a staple ingredient today, its history is relatively recent, tracing back to the 1930s in the United States. This squash emerged as a natural mutation of the Canadian crookneck squash.
Early on, it faced challenges with inconsistent production of straight-necked varieties. Amateur breeder Charles A. Leggett developed a reliable butternut variety around 1940, collaborating with Professor Robert E. Young to popularize the Waltham Butternut squash. Its compact shape and dense flesh made it a favorite for shipping and cooking. Compared to other squashes, butternut squash is quite new, yet it has rapidly gained popularity in many cuisines worldwide. Today, it’s a key ingredient in various dishes and a staple in grocery stores. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, butternut squash also contributes to its appeal as a nutritious and versatile ingredient.
Recipe
Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash
Parmesan roasted butternut squash is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall or any time of the year. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, creating a flavor combination that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This dish is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy option for any meal.
This recipe is simple to follow and results in a beautiful side dish that can complement any main course. Preparing the butternut squash takes only a little time, and the roasting process fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that not only looks impressive but also delivers on taste.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or during a holiday gathering, this Parmesan roasted butternut squash is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Additional seasonings (e.g., paprika, oregano – optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (207°C) or 425°F (220°C) if you prefer a crisper exterior.
- Prepare the butternut squash by cutting off the top and bottom ends to create flat surfaces. Slice the squash in half at the neck to separate the fat and narrow pieces. Scoop out the seeds and either discard them or save them for roasting.
- Cut the squash halves lengthwise and peel the skin using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the squash into one-inch cubes for even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash cubes with minced garlic, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Toss well to guarantee the squash is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the cubes don’t overlap. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for added moisture and sprinkle with any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the surface is light brown and the flesh is tender.
- Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the squash with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
For best results, keep an eye on the squash while roasting to avoid overcooking. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding panko bread crumbs with the Parmesan before the final roasting step.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or fresh herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. This dish can be served warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of sour cream to enhance its richness. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Parmesan roasted butternut squash isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that can elevate any meal. This dish not only tastes great but also offers numerous health benefits. Butternut squash is low in fat, rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and high in fiber, making it a heart-healthy choice. Plus, it’s baked to perfection in this recipe, fitting perfectly in both casual dinners and festive gatherings.
You can customize it with different spices, herbs, or even substitutes like pumpkin for variety. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly, as they can be enjoyed for days. With its delightful flavor and nutritional perks, this dish deserves a spot on your table this season.
FAQ
Got questions about making Parmesan roasted butternut squash? First, peel the squash and remove the seeds using a spoon. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Season with garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 40 minutes. If it’s not tender, roast in 10-minute increments.
For a crispy topping, increase the temperature to 425°F for the last few minutes. Once done, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and return it to the oven for 5 minutes to melt. This dish is low in saturated fat and makes a heart-healthy option for your meals.
Store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge. Enjoy this dish as a delightful side or incorporate it into pasta dishes for added flavor!
Parmesan Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Olive oil optional, for drizzling
- Additional seasonings e.g., paprika, oregano - optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (207°C) or 425°F (220°C) if you prefer a crisper exterior.
- Prepare the butternut squash by cutting off the top and bottom ends to create flat surfaces. Slice the squash in half at the neck to separate the fat and narrow pieces. Scoop out the seeds and either discard them or save them for roasting.
- Cut the squash halves lengthwise and peel the skin using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the squash into one-inch cubes for even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash cubes with minced garlic, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Toss well to guarantee the squash is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the cubes don't overlap. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for added moisture and sprinkle with any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the surface is light brown and the flesh is tender.
- Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the squash with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- For best results, keep an eye on the squash while roasting to avoid overcooking. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding panko bread crumbs with the Parmesan before the final roasting step.
- Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or fresh herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. This dish can be served warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of sour cream to enhance its richness. Enjo
