Imagine a side dish so tantalizing that it steals the spotlight from the main course – that's exactly what this Garlicky Baked Butternut Squash delivers! With its golden-brown caramelized edges, aromatic garlic, and fresh thyme, this recipe transforms an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler or knife. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with a spoon, and then cube the squash into roughly 1-inch uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Toss the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the squash is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Check the squash for doneness by piercing with a fork. The squash should be tender and have golden-brown edges when fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your butternut squash cubes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces. Overcrowding will steam the squash instead of roasting it.
- Oil Distribution: Toss the squash thoroughly in olive oil to help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and prevent sticking.
- Garlic Protection: Mix minced garlic with oil before adding to the squash to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Midway Stir: Always stir the squash halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent any pieces from burning.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh thyme if possible, as it provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Doneness Test: The squash is ready when it's tender when pierced with a fork and has golden-brown, slightly crispy edges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
