Savory Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash with Sage Brown Butter
Embrace the flavors of fall with this exquisite Savory Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash dish. Perfectly roasted butternut squash is drizzled with rich maple syrup and then glazed to caramelized perfection. The addition of nutty brown butter infused with fresh sage elevates this dish, making it a heartwarming accompaniment to any fall meal or a delightful stand-alone dish. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe also gives you an opportunity to utilize those fresh sage leaves from your garden before winter arrives.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
5 lbs (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 3 lbs pre-peeled butternut squash))
salt
to taste (freshly ground black pepper)
maple syrup
2/3 cup
salted butter
8 tablespoons
fresh sage
12 leaves (finely slivered)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even cooking.
2
Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet and arrange the butternut squash in a single, even layer on the sheet.
3
Season the squash generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the squash, ensuring that each piece gets a touch of sweetness.
5
Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, then place it in the preheated oven.
6
Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
7
After the initial baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, allowing excess juices to evaporate and the squash to start caramelizing.
8
Once the squash is golden and has reduced in juices, give it a good stir and continue to cook for about 10 more minutes until it is glossy and glazed with syrup.
9
At this point, you can choose to keep the squash in chunky pieces or mash it into a coarse puree, depending on your preference.
10
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Watch closely as the butter simmers; it will begin to foam up.
11
Continue cooking and swirling the pan until the butter turns a rich, nutty brown, approximately 1 minute more.
12
Add the finely slivered sage leaves to the browned butter, then remove from heat to allow the flavors to meld.
13
Finally, pour the aromatic sage brown butter over the glazed squash and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of Savory Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash?
The main ingredient is 5 lbs of butternut squash, which should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the squash?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius for optimal roasting.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position the rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even cooking of the squash.
How much maple syrup is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of maple syrup to create the sweet glaze.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Can I use pre-peeled squash to save time?
Yes, you can substitute 3 lbs of pre-peeled butternut squash for the 5 lbs of whole squash.
Why is the baking sheet covered with foil initially?
The aluminum foil locks in moisture, allowing the squash to become tender without drying out during the first 30 to 45 minutes.
How long does the squash bake without foil?
After the initial bake, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow juices to evaporate.
How do I know when the butternut squash is tender?
The squash is tender when it can be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the final step to achieve a glossy glaze?
Stir the squash and cook for about 10 more minutes until it appears glossy and is glazed with the syrup.
What are the two serving style options for the squash?
You can serve the squash in chunky pieces or mash it into a coarse puree depending on your preference.
How much butter is needed for the sage brown butter?
The recipe requires 8 tablespoons of salted butter.
What type of butter should be used?
Salted butter is recommended to provide a savory contrast to the maple syrup.
How do you prepare the sage for the butter?
The 12 fresh sage leaves should be finely slivered before being added to the butter.
How long does it take to brown the butter?
Once the butter starts to foam, it takes approximately 1 minute of simmering and swirling to turn a rich, nutty brown.
When should the sage be added to the saucepan?
Add the sage leaves to the butter once it has turned nutty brown, then immediately remove from the heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Savory Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses butter and vegetables.
What seasonings are used?
The squash is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What size should the butternut squash pieces be?
The squash should be cut into 1-inch pieces for even roasting.
What type of baking sheet is best?
A large, rimmed baking sheet is recommended to contain the maple syrup and juices.
What flavor profile does the brown butter add?
The brown butter adds a nutty flavor that, combined with sage, elevates the sweetness of the maple.
Is this dish intended as a side or a main?
It is described as a heartwarming accompaniment to fall meals or a delightful stand-alone dish.
How many sage leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 12 fresh sage leaves.
Should I stir the squash during the roasting process?
Yes, give the squash a good stir after the second baking phase before the final 10-minute glaze.
Can I use fresh sage from my garden?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using fresh sage leaves, perfect for using up garden herbs before winter.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time ranges between 70 to 85 minutes.
How should the dish be served?
The dish should be served warm with the aromatic sage brown butter poured over the top.
What makes the butter foam?
Butter foams as its water content evaporates while being heated over medium-high heat.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish, specifically a holiday side dish and roasted vegetable.