Creamy Parmesan Butternut Squash Mash
Elevate your side dish game with this Creamy Parmesan Butternut Squash Mash. This delightful recipe transforms the often-overlooked butternut squash into a rich and flavorful dish that will surprise even the pickiest eaters! Roasted to perfection and combined with velvety butter, aromatic olive oil, and the nutty richness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, it's an irresistible alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Whether for a holiday feast or a weeknight meal, this squash mash promises to be a hit at your table.
2
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 (halved lengthwise and seeded)
extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons
butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your convection oven to 350°F (or 375°F for a conventional oven).
2
With a heavy chef's knife, carefully slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.
3
Drizzle the cut surfaces of the squash with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring an even coating.
4
Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a skewer.
5
Once roasted, remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool sufficiently to handle. Scoop out the tender flesh into a mixing bowl, discarding any burnt bits or skin.
6
Return the squash to the baking sheet and place it back in the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, just until heated through.
7
Transfer the heated squash back to the mixing bowl. Add softened butter, kosher salt, white pepper, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
8
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the mixture to your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the mixture through a food mill before mixing in the remaining ingredients.
9
Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Butternut Squash Mash?
It is a rich and flavorful side dish that serves as a healthy, gluten-free alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, featuring roasted butternut squash mixed with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for this mash?
The main ingredients include one butternut squash, extra virgin olive oil, 4 tablespoons of softened butter, kosher salt, white pepper, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your convection oven to 350°F or a conventional oven to 375°F.
How do I prepare the squash for roasting?
Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise using a heavy chef's knife and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before drizzling with olive oil.
How long should the butternut squash roast?
Roast the squash for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a skewer.
Do I need to peel the squash before cooking?
No, you roast the squash halves in their skin and then scoop out the tender flesh once they have cooled sufficiently to handle.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for coating the squash before roasting.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Creamy Parmesan Butternut Squash Mash is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 4.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The recipe specifies using 4 tablespoons of softened butter.
What seasonings are required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How do I achieve an ultra-smooth texture?
For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the roasted squash mixture through a food mill before adding the final ingredients.
What tools can I use to mash the squash?
You can use a standard potato masher or a fork to reach your desired consistency.
Why is the squash returned to the oven after being scooped out?
The flesh is returned to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly heated through before mixing.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can serve the mash hot and garnish it with a sprinkle of additional cheese if desired.
What kind of knife should be used to cut the squash?
A heavy chef's knife is recommended to safely slice the squash lengthwise.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is a great option for holiday feasts or weeknight meals.
How do I handle the squash after roasting?
Allow the squash to cool sufficiently to handle before scooping the flesh into a mixing bowl, making sure to discard any burnt bits or skin.
What should I do with the seeds?
The seeds should be scooped out and discarded before you drizzle the squash with oil and roast it.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is described as a healthy alternative to traditional potato-based side dishes.
How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
It is ready when the flesh is tender enough to be easily pierced with a skewer.
Can I use a conventional oven?
Yes, if using a conventional oven, set the temperature to 375°F.
Does this recipe use white or black pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
What is the consistency of the final product?
The final product is a creamy, mashed consistency that can be adjusted from rustic to ultra-smooth depending on your preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients including the squash and seasonings.