Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with a recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests swoon! Imagine crispy bacon hugging tender butternut squash, glazed with a luxurious balsamic-maple reduction that caramelizes into pure culinary magic. This isn't just a side dish; it's a flavor explosion that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience that's surprisingly easy to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and cube the flesh into 1-inch uniform pieces. Aim for roughly 2 cups of cubed squash.
- Season the squash cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even seasoning.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise, creating shorter strips that will be easier to wrap around the squash pieces.
- Wrap each squash cube individually with a half slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon is snugly secured around the squash. Place wrapped pieces seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to create a glossy glaze. Set aside.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped squash pieces on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the bacon-wrapped squash with the balsamic-maple glaze, allowing it to caramelize and create a rich, sticky coating.
- Remove from the oven when bacon is crisp and squash is tender. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.
- Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining balsamic glaze. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Choose uniform squash cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent bacon wrapping.
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and better coverage around the squash.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between pieces for crispy edges.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh thyme to your seasoning.
- If bacon isn't crisping up, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easier cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Let the dish rest briefly after cooking to allow the glaze to set and flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
