Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Maple
By Dan SouzaPublished on November 25, 2013
Time
1½ hours
Yield
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
SQUASH
1 large (2 ½- to 3-pound) butternut squash 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepperTOPPING
2 tablespoons maple syrup Pinch cayenne pepper 1 ½ ounces goat cheese, crumbled (⅓ cup)⅓ cup pecans, toasted and chopped coarse2 teaspoons fresh thyme leavesBefore You Begin
For plain roasted squash omit the topping. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. For the best texture it’s important to remove the fibrous flesh just below the squash’s skin.
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Using sharp vegetable peeler or chef’s knife, remove skin and fibrous threads from squash just below skin (peel until squash is completely orange with no white flesh remaining, roughly 1/8 inch deep). Halve squash lengthwise and scrape out seeds. Place squash, cut side down, on cutting board and slice crosswise 1/2 inch thick.
- Toss squash with melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange squash on rimmed baking sheet in single layer. Roast squash until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate sheet and continue to bake until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove squash from oven and use metal spatula to flip each piece. Continue to roast until squash is very tender and side touching sheet is browned, 10 to 15 minutes longer.
- While squash roasts, stir maple syrup and cayenne together in small bowl.
- Transfer squash to large serving platter. Drizzle maple mixture evenly over squash. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pecans, and thyme and serve.
for the squash
for the topping
Time
1½ hoursYield
Serves 4 to 6Ingredients
SQUASH
TOPPING
Ingredients
SQUASH
TOPPING
Ingredients
SQUASH
TOPPING
Why This Recipe Works
Taking a cue from famed chef Yotam Ottolenghi, we sought to create a savory recipe for roasted butternut squash that was simple and presentation-worthy. We chose to peel the squash thoroughly to remove not only the tough outer skin but also the rugged fibrous layer of white flesh just beneath, ensuring supremely tender squash. To encourage the squash slices to caramelize, we used a hot 425-degree oven, placed the squash on the lowest oven rack, and increased the baking time to evaporate the water. We also swapped in melted butter for olive oil to promote the flavorful Maillard reaction. Finally, we selected a mix of toppings that added crunch, creaminess, brightness, and visual appeal.
Before You Begin
For plain roasted squash omit the topping. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. For the best texture it’s important to remove the fibrous flesh just below the squash’s skin.
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Using sharp vegetable peeler or chef’s knife, remove skin and fibrous threads from squash just below skin (peel until squash is completely orange with no white flesh remaining, roughly 1/8 inch deep). Halve squash lengthwise and scrape out seeds. Place squash, cut side down, on cutting board and slice crosswise 1/2 inch thick.
- Toss squash with melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange squash on rimmed baking sheet in single layer. Roast squash until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Rotate sheet and continue to bake until side touching sheet toward back of oven is well browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove squash from oven and use metal spatula to flip each piece. Continue to roast until squash is very tender and side touching sheet is browned, 10 to 15 minutes longer.
- While squash roasts, stir maple syrup and cayenne together in small bowl.
- Transfer squash to large serving platter. Drizzle maple mixture evenly over squash. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pecans, and thyme and serve.
for the squash
for the topping
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