Caramelized Butternut Squash
Delicious butternut squash recipe from Ina Garten that's perfect for the holidays. Cut into medium to large chunks for a maple-flavored crust and soft, tasty inside.
Steps for Caramelized Butternut Squash
Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Caramelized Butternut Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut off the ends of each butternut squash and discard.
- Peel the squash and cut in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, remove the seeds.
- Cut the squash into 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" cubes (large and uniform is best), and place them on a baking sheet.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
- With clean hands, toss all of the ingredients together and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 45 minutes to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize.
- Turn the squash while roasting a few times with a spatula to be sure it browns evenly.
- Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot.
- Enjoy!
Why you'll love Caramelized Butternut Squash
- Flavorful and Nutritious: Caramelized butternut squash offers a delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors, enhanced by the caramelization process. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
- Versatile Ingredient: This dish can be used in various culinary applications, from salads and grain bowls to soups and side dishes. Its rich flavor and appealing texture complement a wide range of ingredients, allowing for creativity in the kitchen and making it suitable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
- Easy to Prepare: Caramelizing butternut squash is a straightforward cooking technique that requires minimal ingredients and effort. Simply roasting the squash with a touch of oil and seasoning allows for a hands-off cooking experience, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks alike, while still delivering a gourmet-quality dish.
Caramelized Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squash (4 to 5 pounds total)
- 6 -8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
-
Cut off the ends of each butternut squash and discard.
-
Peel the squash and cut in half lengthwise.
-
Using a spoon, remove the seeds.
-
Cut the squash into 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" cubes (large and uniform is best), and place them on a baking sheet.
-
Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
-
With clean hands, toss all of the ingredients together and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
-
Roast for 45 minutes to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize.
-
Turn the squash while roasting a few times with a spatula to be sure it browns evenly.
-
Adjust seasonings if needed.
-
Serve hot.
-
Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure that the butternut squash is cut into evenly sized cubes to promote even cooking and caramelization; this will help achieve a tender texture and rich flavor without any burnt pieces.
- Use a combination of high heat to initiate caramelization and moderate heat to finish cooking; this balance helps develop a beautiful golden-brown color while preventing the sugars from burning.
