Butternut squash has always been one of my favorite fall ingredients. There’s just something so cozy and comforting about its sweet, nutty flavor and velvety texture. And when you pair it with rich, nutty brown butter and tangy goat cheese? Well, that’s pure magic if you ask me.
I remember the first time I made Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something warm and satisfying. I had a beautiful butternut squash sitting on my counter, and I just knew I had to do something special with it.
I started by roasting the squash until it was tender and caramelized, then I made a simple brown butter sauce to drizzle over the top. The nutty, toasted aroma of the brown butter was absolutely intoxicating. And when I sprinkled on the crumbled goat cheese, it created this irresistible contrast of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
I’ll never forget the first bite – it was like a hug for my taste buds. The sweetness of the butternut squash, the richness of the brown butter, and the tanginess of the goat cheese all came together in perfect harmony. It was one of those dishes that just makes you feel so satisfied and content.
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
The secret to this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe is all in the technique. By roasting the squash at a high temperature, you caramelize the natural sugars, creating a deep, complex flavor. And the brown butter? Well, that’s just pure magic. The nutty, toasted notes it adds to the dish are truly game-changing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butternut squash: The star of the show! Look for a squash that’s heavy for its size, with a smooth, blemish-free skin.
- Unsalted butter: You’ll be browning the butter, so make sure to use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Goat cheese: Tangy, creamy goat cheese is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet squash and rich brown butter.
- Sage: Fresh sage leaves add a lovely, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: To season the dish and enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
This Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe is easy to make and comes together in about an hour. You’ll need a sheet pan, a saucepan, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash, then cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a large baking sheet.
2- Drizzle the squash cubes with a bit of olive oil, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s tender and caramelized.
3- While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
4- Remove the browned butter from the heat and stir in the fresh sage leaves. The sage will sizzle and become crispy.
5- Once the squash is roasted, transfer it to a serving bowl. Drizzle the brown butter and sage over the top, then crumble the goat cheese over the entire dish.
6- Serve the Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese warm, garnished with extra sage leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be patient when browning the butter – it takes time to develop that rich, nutty flavor. Don’t let it burn!
- Roast the squash at a high temperature to get that lovely caramelization on the edges.
- Crumble the goat cheese just before serving to ensure it stays nice and fresh.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and sweetness.
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 dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It makes a wonderful side dish for roasted meats or poultry, or you can serve it as a meatless main course alongside a fresh salad and some crusty bread.
For drinks, I love pairing it with a crisp white wine or a rich, full-bodied red. And don’t forget about the seasonal beers – a pumpkin ale or a spiced cider would be heavenly with this dish.
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 in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
You can also make this dish ahead of time. Roast the squash and prepare the brown butter a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. This makes it a great option for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
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 combination of butternut squash, brown butter, and goat cheese is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish.
Try roasting the squash with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Or swap the goat cheese for crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan. You could even add some toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
And don’t be afraid to play with the seasons – swap the sage for fresh thyme or rosemary in the spring, or use pumpkin seeds and cranberries in the fall.
Making Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this dish gluten-free, simply serve it as-is or over a bed of quinoa or roasted vegetables. For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and substitute the goat cheese with a creamy cashew or almond-based cheese.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can enjoy a smaller portion of the Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese as a side dish, or serve it over a bed of steamed greens instead of roasted squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of butternut?
A: Absolutely! This recipe would also be delicious with acorn squash, kabocha squash, or even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time as needed.
Q: How do I know when the brown butter is ready?
A: The butter is ready when it turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty, toasted aroma. Keep a close eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can roast the squash and prepare the brown butter a day in advance. Store them separately and then assemble the dish just before serving.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes enough Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese to serve 4-6 people as a side dish, or 2-3 as a main course.
Q: What if my squash isn’t getting crispy?
A: Make sure to roast the squash at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) and flip it halfway through cooking. If it’s still not crisping up, try increasing the temperature or roasting for a few minutes longer.
Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of this Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese recipe. The tender, caramelized squash is elevated by the nutty brown butter sauce and the tangy, creamy goat cheese for a cozy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Spread the butternut squash cubes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. 3. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
4. 4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter is fragrant and has turned a rich, nutty brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the minced garlic and thyme sprigs. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the flavors to infuse.
6. 6. Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving dish and drizzle the brown butter mixture over the top. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the squash.
7. 7. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, you can mash the roasted squash slightly before adding the brown butter.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or Parmesan, if you prefer a different flavor profile.
– This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about Butternut Squash With Brown Butter And Goat Cheese. The sweet, caramelized squash, the rich and nutty brown butter, and the tangy, creamy goat cheese – it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try. Trust me, once you experience the magic of this dish, it’ll become a new fall favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!