Growing up, I can remember the aroma of roasted Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese wafting through the house during the holidays. It was a dish my grandma would make every Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a family favorite. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about the combination of the sweet, creamy squash, the nutty brown butter, and the tangy goat cheese.
I’ll never forget the year when I was 10 years old, and I insisted on helping Grandma prepare the Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese. I can still picture myself carefully peeling and cubing the squash, watching intently as she swirled the butter in the pan until it turned a rich, golden brown. The anticipation was palpable as we waited for the dish to come out of the oven, filled with the tantalizing aroma. And when we finally took that first bite, the flavors just danced on our tongues. It was heavenly.
To this day, that recipe holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of those cherished family gatherings, the laughter, the love, and the pure joy of good food shared with loved ones. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe with you. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new go-to in your household.
Table of Contents
Why This Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
What makes this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe so special? It’s all about the technique. By roasting the squash to perfection and then tossing it in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce, you end up with a dish that’s both comforting and utterly decadent. And the creamy, tangy goat cheese? It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the squash.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butternut squash: The star of the show, chosen for its natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: The key to the irresistible brown butter sauce.
- Garlic: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Fresh thyme: Its earthy, aromatic notes complement the butternut squash beautifully.
- Goat cheese: The tangy, creamy cheese that balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Salt and pepper: To season the dish and bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
Preparing this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a showstopping dish on your hands. The total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes, and all you’ll need is a baking sheet, a saucepan, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3- Drizzle the cubed squash with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
4- While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a rich, nutty brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
5- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
6- Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving bowl, pour the brown butter and garlic mixture over the top, and gently toss to coat. Crumble the goat cheese over the top and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese is to roast the squash until it’s tender and caramelized, and to take the time to brown the butter properly. Don’t be tempted to rush the browning process – it’s what gives the dish its rich, nutty flavor.
Also, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Opt for a creamy, tangy goat cheese, and choose a butternut squash that’s firm and free of blemishes.
Serving and Storing Your Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
This Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese makes a wonderful side dish for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple green salad. It’s also a great option for a vegetarian main course, paired with a crusty bread or a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a refreshing hard cider would be the perfect accompaniment. And for a special occasion, you could even serve this dish as part of a Thanksgiving or holiday feast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also make this dish ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will only continue to develop, and it’s a great option for busy weeknights or holiday entertaining.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
Creative Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Variations
While the classic Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on the dish. Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch, or swap in a different type of cheese, like feta or Parmesan, for a different flavor profile.
You can also experiment with seasonal variations, like roasting the squash with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy fall twist, or adding fresh herbs like sage or rosemary for a more savory edge.
Making Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe more diet-friendly, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, like olive oil or avocado oil. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the goat cheese or use a non-dairy cheese substitute.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can serve the roasted squash on a bed of leafy greens or cauliflower rice instead of as a stand-alone dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of butternut?
A: Absolutely! This recipe would also work well with other varieties of winter squash, such as acorn, kabocha, or delicata. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time as needed, as the cooking time may vary depending on the type of squash you use.
Q: How do I know when the brown butter is ready?
A: The key to perfect brown butter is to cook it slowly and keep a close eye on it. The butter will start to foam and sizzle, and then it will gradually turn a rich, nutty brown color. Once it reaches this stage, it’s time to remove it from the heat and stir in the garlic and thyme.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe is a great make-ahead option. You can roast the squash and make the brown butter sauce up to 3 days in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the squash and toss it with the brown butter and garlic mixture. Then top with the fresh goat cheese just before serving.
Q: How can I adjust the servings for this recipe?
A: This recipe as written serves 4-6 people as a side dish. To scale it up or down, simply adjust the amounts of the main ingredients proportionally. For example, if you need to serve 8 people, you would use 2 pounds of butternut squash, 1/2 cup of butter, and 4 ounces of goat cheese.
Q: What should I do if the brown butter starts to burn?
A: If you notice the brown butter starting to burn, immediately remove the pan from the heat and transfer the butter to a heat-proof bowl. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the butter from becoming bitter. If you’ve already added the garlic and thyme, don’t worry – you can still use the butter, as long as it hasn’t turned black.
Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender, caramelized butternut squash cooked in a rich, nutty brown butter and topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese for an indulgent and cozy side dish.
Ingredients
– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes.
3. – Remove the pan from heat and stir in the minced garlic and chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper.
4. – Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving bowl and pour the brown butter mixture over top. Gently toss to coat.
5. – Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the butternut squash and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. The brown butter can also be made in advance and reheated. For a creamier texture, toss the squash with the brown butter while it’s still hot from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and delicious about Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring a little bit of that warm, family-gathering magic to your table, whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday feast or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal.
I hope this recipe becomes a new go-to in your household, just like it is in mine. So what are you waiting for? Grab those butternut squash, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the pure bliss of this irresistible dish. Bon appétit!
