Savory Chilean Butternut Squash Bake
Celebrate your next gathering with this Savory Chilean Butternut Squash Bake. Infused with a medley of vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, and creamy cheddar cheese, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family dinner, this casserole showcases the sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash, elevated by the warmth of cumin and chili powder. The combination of eggs and fresh corn adds a delightful texture while keeping the dish hearty yet light. Making it is a breeze — simply mash the roasted squash in the casserole dish, mix in the sautéed vegetables and spices, and let the oven do the work. Consider trying this recipe with rice or a grain of your choice for an added twist! Note: You can prepare the squash in advance and refrigerate it for easy assembly.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
1 large (Cut in half lengthwise and seeds scooped out)
Onion
1 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Crushed)
Olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (Spice)
Cayenne pepper
1-2 dashes (Spice)
Red bell pepper
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Corn kernels
2 cups (Fresh or frozen)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (Grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chilean Butternut Squash Bake?
It is a flavorful casserole featuring roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, corn, and aromatic spices topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, its sweet and nutty flavor profile makes it a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings.
What type of squash is used?
The recipe calls for one large butternut squash.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The warmth comes from a blend of ground cumin, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the Savory Chilean Butternut Squash Bake is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I prepare the squash in advance?
Yes, you can roast the squash ahead of time and refrigerate it to speed up the assembly process later.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs to help bind the casserole together.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use either 2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
What vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
Chopped onions and both red and green bell peppers are sautéed in olive oil.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, but it is generally savory rather than overly hot.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for roasting?
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before roasting.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cloves of crushed garlic.
What is the role of eggs in this bake?
The eggs add a delightful texture while keeping the dish hearty yet light.
Can I add grains to this dish?
Yes, you can consider mixing in rice or a grain of your choice for an added twist.
How is the squash incorporated into the casserole?
Once roasted, the squash is mashed directly in the casserole dish before mixing with other ingredients.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much bell pepper is needed?
You will need 1 cup of coarsely chopped red bell pepper and 1 cup of green bell pepper.
Is this a heavy meal?
No, the combination of vegetables and eggs keeps the dish hearty yet light.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving numbers aren't provided, the use of a large squash and 13 ingredients makes it suitable for family dinners.
What is the texture of the dish?
It is creamy from the mashed squash and cheese, with a slight crunch from the corn and peppers.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While butternut is preferred for its sweet and nutty flavor, other winter squashes could be used as a substitute.
Do I need to peel the squash?
No, you roast it in the skin and then mash the flesh, discarding the skin afterward.
What makes this a 'Chilean' style dish?
The combination of squash, corn, and specific spices like cumin is characteristic of many Chilean comfort foods.
Is there a lot of prep work involved?
Preparation is relatively simple; once the squash is roasted, you just sauté the veg and mix everything together.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You could substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.
Is the corn fresh or canned?
The recipe suggests fresh or frozen corn kernels for the best texture.
What is the best way to mash the squash?
The recipe suggests mashing it right in the casserole dish for convenience.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.