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- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) If you want to switch things up, try these alternatives: - Cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy spin. - Oil: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - Herbs: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a unique taste. - Sweetness: Add a pinch of brown sugar to enhance the flavor. Butternut squash is not only tasty but also good for you. Here are some benefits: - Rich in Vitamins: It has lots of Vitamin A, which helps your eyes. - High in Fiber: This helps with digestion and keeps you full. - Low in Calories: Great for those watching their weight. - Antioxidants: It has antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. - Versatile: You can use it in many dishes, from soups to salads. Enjoy the tasty flavors and good health that roasted garlic Parmesan butternut squash brings! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting that perfect roast. Make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before you put the squash in. In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well. You want the squash pieces to be nicely coated with oil and seasonings. Next, spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding the squash. This ensures it roasts evenly and gets that nice golden color. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Roast the squash for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pieces with a spatula. They should become tender and golden brown when done. When the squash is ready, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the squash. Make sure to spread it evenly for a great cheesy flavor. Put the baking sheet back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and turn golden. Once done, drizzle balsamic glaze on top if you like. Finally, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color before serving. Enjoy your dish warm! To get the best roast, you need a hot oven. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the squash cook evenly and caramelize well. Cut your butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. This size allows them to cook perfectly. They will be tender in the center and crispy on the outside. Flip the squash halfway through cooking. This step makes sure every piece gets golden brown. When you spread the squash on the baking sheet, give them space. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If the squash pieces are too close, they will not brown well. Use two baking sheets if needed. This way, the heat can reach every piece. You want each cube to be its own little flavor bomb! Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Use fresh garlic for a strong flavor. The olive oil helps the spices stick and makes the squash crisp. Don’t forget thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. They add depth to your dish. If you like, drizzle balsamic glaze on top at the end. It gives a sweet and tangy touch to the savory squash. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegan easily. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor. You can also try vegan cheese. It melts well and adds creaminess. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. You will still enjoy a great taste, and it is plant-based! Feel free to mix in other veggies. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes work great. Cut them to the same size as the butternut squash. This way, they roast evenly. Just toss them with the same garlic and olive oil mix. Each veggie brings its own flavor, making the dish even better. You can boost the taste with more spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat, too. For herbs, rosemary or sage pairs well with squash. Mix and match to find your favorite combos. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Each change makes the dish unique. Once you finish your meal, let the roasted butternut squash cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to three days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the squash on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps to keep the squash crispy on the outside and warm inside. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, but the texture may change. If you want to save the squash for later, freezing works well. First, let the squash cool completely. Spread it out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. The best way to cut butternut squash starts with proper tools. Use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. First, cut off both ends of the squash. This helps it stand steady. Next, peel the skin using a vegetable peeler. After peeling, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Finally, cut each half into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Yes, you can use pre-cut butternut squash. It saves time and effort. Many grocery stores offer pre-cut squash in the produce section. Just ensure that it is fresh and not overly soft. Pre-cut squash is a great option when you want a quick meal. You can skip the peeling and cutting steps, making cooking easier. Roasted garlic parmesan butternut squash pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled chicken: The flavors complement each other nicely. - Quinoa or rice: These grains add a nice texture and balance. - Leafy greens: A salad with spinach or arugula adds freshness. - Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. - Steak or pork: The richness works well with meats. Get creative and mix and match your favorite dishes! In this article, we explored butternut squash from ingredients to storage tips. We covered how to choose the right ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions for roasting. I provided ways to mix flavors and suggestions for variations, like a vegan option. Remember, roasting enhances taste and texture. Enjoy experimenting with this healthy and versatile squash. It can bring joy to your meals! Keep sharing your cooking adventures.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Butternut Squash

Savor the rich flavors of Roasted Garlic Parmesan Butternut Squash! This simple and delicious recipe transforms fresh butternut squash into a cheesy, garlicky delight that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few easy steps and key ingredients like Parmesan and thyme, you'll create a dish everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty side dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's fully heated before you place your squash inside.

    Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with the minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

      Prepare for roasting: Spread the seasoned squash out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure that the pieces are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.

        Roast the squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to flip the squash pieces, allowing them to brown evenly. You'll know they're ready when they are tender and golden brown.

          Add the cheese: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the roasted squash, ensuring an even distribution.

            Finish roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and has taken on a delicious golden hue.

              Balsamic drizzle: Once the squash is beautifully roasted and cheesy, take it out of the oven and, if desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a delightful flavor contrast.

                Garnish and serve: Top the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the roasted butternut squash in a large serving bowl or plate it individually. Enhance the visual appeal by adding an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top and a few sprigs of parsley for color. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!