Butternut Squash Bake

There’s something truly magical about the comforting embrace of a warm dish like Butternut Squash Bake. It brings back memories of cozy fall evenings spent with loved ones, the kind where the air is crisp, and laughter resonates through the kitchen. One chilly afternoon, I decided to create a dish that celebrated the season’s bountiful harvest. I was inspired by the vibrant colors and rich flavors of autumn, leading me to this delightful recipe filled with roasted squash, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios. Every bite is a celebration of fall, capturing the essence of the season in a single dish. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that I can’t wait to share with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Butternut Squash Bake

Every ingredient in this Butternut Squash Bake plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and comfort. The star of the show, butternut squash, is naturally sweet and creamy when roasted, while goat cheese adds a tangy richness. Pistachios provide a delightful crunch, making each bite a little more exciting. Let’s dive into the list of ingredients that will create this lovely dish.

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 5 cups): The main ingredient, butternut squash, brings warmth and sweetness to the dish.
• 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided: This adds richness and helps to roast the squash to perfection.
• 5 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups): The shallots provide a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the squash.
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped: Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity and depth that balances the sweetness of the squash.
• 2 teaspoons chopped sage: Sage contributes an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the butternut squash.
• 4 ounces goat cheese: The creamy goat cheese provides a luscious texture and tang that elevates the dish.
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios: These nuts give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the creamy elements.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

How to Prepare Butternut Squash Bake

Making the Butternut Squash Bake is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress your family and friends!

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring that the butternut squash roasts perfectly.
2. Add the butternut squash cubes to a 9×9 baking dish. Toss them with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated for optimal roasting.
3. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and roast the squash until it’s tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
4. In the meantime, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and ¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft and begin to brown, which should take about 15 minutes.
5. Once the shallots are ready, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sage. Stir everything together and cook until the garlic softens and the vinegar is absorbed, which should take about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. When the butternut squash is done roasting, remove it from the oven and stir in the shallot mixture.
7. Crumble the goat cheese on top of the squash and shallot mixture. Then, sprinkle the pistachios over everything.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the goat cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
9. Once it’s ready, remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy every delightful bite of your Butternut Squash Bake!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Butternut Squash Bake turns out flawlessly, here are some helpful tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This bake pairs excellently with roasted chicken or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Scaling Up: You can easily double this recipe and prepare it in a 9×13 baking dish for larger gatherings.
• Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving can add a pop of color and freshness.

What to Pair With Butternut Squash Bake

The Butternut Squash Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings, enhancing any meal with its unique flavors. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salads: A crisp salad with arugula or spinach provides a refreshing contrast to the warm bake.
• Roasted Meats: This dish complements roasted chicken or turkey beautifully, offering a satisfying balance.
• Grain Sides: Consider serving it alongside quinoa or couscous for a hearty and nutritious meal.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for Thanksgiving or other fall gatherings, it adds a lovely touch to your holiday table.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Butternut Squash Bake is a heartwarming dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With its creamy texture, delightful flavors, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; not only will it tantalize your taste buds, but it will also bring comfort and warmth to your table.

Butternut Squash Bake

The ultimate comfort food, Butternut Squash Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of roasted flavors. This easy weeknight dinner will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Make it tonight to enjoy a taste of fall in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 5 cups)
• 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
• 5 medium shallots peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chopped sage
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• 9 x 9 baking dish

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Add the butternut squash to a 9×9 baking dish. Toss with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Transfer to the oven to roast until tender, about 30-35 minutes. Stir halfway through.
3. In the meantime, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and ¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the garlic, balsamic vinegar, and sage; stir to incorporate. Cook until the garlic is beginning to soften and the vinegar is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Remove the roasted squash from the oven. Stir in the shallot. Crumble the goat cheese on top of the squash mixture then top with the pistachios. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can easily double this and make it in a 9×13” baking dish.
• Tip 2: This makes about 4 cups (about a heaping ⅔ cup per serving).

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.