Loaded Hasselback Butternut Squash (Print-Friendly Format)
Hasselback butternut squash with herby butter, goat cheese, and savory toppings. Beautiful addition to any festive table.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
1 large or 2 small butternut squash, peeled and halved lengthwise
→ Oils & Fats
02 -
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons salted butter
→ Herbs & Spices
04 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
06 -
2 teaspoons black pepper
07 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
08 -
4-6 bay leaves
→ Other
09 -
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
10 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
11 -
Goat cheese crumbles, to taste
12 -
Bacon crumbles, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 190°C.
02 -
Thoroughly wash, peel, and halve the butternut squash lengthwise. Remove seeds and discard.
03 -
Arrange squash halves, cavity side down, on a baking tray. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt. Roast for 20 minutes to soften slightly.
04 -
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter with fresh thyme, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring occasionally until fragrant. Set aside.
05 -
Allow the squash to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make crosswise slices into the squash at regular intervals, stopping before cutting all the way through. Use chopsticks or wooden skewers as guides if needed.
06 -
Use a pastry brush to gently coat the squash halves with the melted herb butter mixture, ensuring to brush between the slices for full coverage.
07 -
Return the squash to the oven and roast for an additional 40 minutes. Every 15 minutes, baste with collected butter glaze from the tray to keep the squash moist and flavourful.
08 -
Remove from oven. Garnish generously with goat cheese crumbles, bacon crumbles, and additional fresh thyme before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For even slices, use chopsticks or skewers along the sides of the squash to prevent cutting through the base.