Savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Bake
Indulge in this delicious Savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Bake, a delightful dish that showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash, enriched with fragrant garlic, creamy Parmesan, and a buttery crumb topping. This recipe, inspired by Betty Crocker's classic Thanksgiving publication, is perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance, making holiday meal planning a breeze! With its stunning presentation and comforting flavors, even the most dedicated meat lovers will be going back for seconds. Elevate your next gathering with this divine vegetable dish that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
2.5 lbs (Peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Garlic cloves
2 large (Minced)
Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Prepare the butternut squash by peeling it, halving it lengthwise, and removing the seeds. Cut the squash into uniform, 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them for an attractive presentation.
3
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.
4
In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the butter-garlic mixture. Mix well to evenly coat the crumbs.
5
Using a brush, generously coat each slice of butternut squash with the remaining butter-garlic mixture. Evenly sprinkle the squash with salt, pepper, and the breadcrumb mixture.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and can be pierced easily with a fork. Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Parmesan Butternut Squash Bake?
It is a vegetable side dish featuring butternut squash slices topped with a buttery garlic and Parmesan panko crust.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 2.5 lbs of butternut squash, butter, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into uniform 1/2-inch thick slices.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the first stage of baking.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish lightly greased with cooking spray is recommended.
How do you prepare the garlic for the bake?
Mince 2 large cloves of garlic and sauté them gently in melted butter for 2-3 minutes over low heat until fragrant.
Can I prepare this butternut squash bake in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful for holiday meal planning.
How are the breadcrumbs used in the recipe?
Panko breadcrumbs are mixed with Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of the butter-garlic mixture to create a crispy topping.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian vegetable dish that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat lovers.
How long does the squash bake while covered?
The squash should bake covered with aluminum foil for 30-40 minutes until it is tender.
Do I need to change the oven temperature during baking?
Yes, after the initial bake, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) to crisp the top.
How long is the final crisping stage in the oven?
Once the temperature is increased to 425°F, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
What garnish is used for the finished dish?
Chopped fresh parsley is sprinkled over the top for color and freshness before serving.
How should the squash slices be arranged in the dish?
Arrange the slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping them for an attractive presentation.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for this bake?
Panko breadcrumbs are specified for their ability to create a light and crispy texture.
Is there a specific way to check if the squash is done?
The squash is done when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic Thanksgiving publication from Betty Crocker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The provided data does not specify exact serving counts, but it uses 2.5 lbs of squash, suitable for a large side dish.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for color and burst of flavor, dried parsley could be substituted in a smaller quantity.
Should the garlic be browned during sautéing?
No, the garlic should be sautéed until fragrant but not allowed to brown, as browned garlic can turn bitter.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Is the butter-garlic mixture used all at once?
No, one tablespoon is mixed with the breadcrumbs, and the remainder is brushed onto the squash slices.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetable dish, side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, and comfort food.
Does the recipe require a specific type of salt?
The recipe lists standard salt, though you can use your preferred variety.
What is the final texture of the topping?
The final texture is golden brown and crispy due to the panko and high-heat finishing stage.
Is the squash peeled before or after slicing?
The squash should be peeled first, then halved, seeded, and sliced.
Why is the baking dish covered with foil initially?
Covering with foil helps the squash steam and become tender without the topping burning.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.