Roasted Butternut Squash Slices (Recipe)

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, you’ve come to the right place! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make perfectly caramelized Roasted Butternut Squash Slices that are sure to impress your family and friends. Adapted from Melissa Clark’s book Dinner in French, this dish combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a tangy lime vinaigrette and crunchy chopped hazelnuts.

Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also easy to make. We’ll walk you through the steps of peeling and slicing the butternut squash, as well as how to roast it to perfection in the oven. Plus, we’ll share some time-saving tips and customizable variations so you can make this recipe your own.

Butternut squash is a nutrient-packed vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for those watching their waistline. So let’s dive in and discover how to create this delicious and nutritious Roasted Butternut Squash Slices recipe!

Key Takeaways:

• Roasted Butternut Squash Slices are a flavorful and healthy side dish option.
• This recipe is adapted from Melissa Clark’s book Dinner in French.
• The squash slices are caramelized, topped with a tangy lime vinaigrette, and sprinkled with crunchy hazelnuts.
• Butternut squash is a nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals.
• This recipe provides tips for saving time and offers customizable variations.

Ingredients

Creating a delicious and flavorful dish of Roasted Butternut Squash Slices requires a combination of carefully selected ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

With these high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

These ingredients combine to elevate the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of the butternut squash, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Preparation

To prepare the roasted butternut squash slices, follow these simple steps:

1. Peel the squash: Start by carefully peeling the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Remove the tough outer skin, making sure to remove any green or white parts.
2. Cut into thin slices: Once the squash is peeled, cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Then, slice the squash into thin, uniform slices. This will ensure even cooking and caramelization.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet: Preheat your oven to XXX°F (XXX°C). Place the butternut squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Brush with olive oil: Drizzle the slices with extra virgin olive oil, making sure each slice is lightly coated. This will help them brown and develop a delicious, crispy texture.
5. Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle the slices with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the butternut squash. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
6. Roast until tender and browned: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the squash slices for about XX-XX minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Flip the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Once the butternut squash slices are roasted to perfection, they are ready to be enjoyed as a delicious side dish or added to salads, pastas, or main courses for added flavor and texture.

Use this simple recipe to create mouthwatering roasted butternut squash slices that will impress your family and friends!

Flavor Enhancements

To enhance the flavor of the roasted butternut squash slices, a delicious and tangy lime vinaigrette is the perfect option. This simple yet flavorful dressing adds a zesty kick to the dish, making it even more irresistible. The combination of fresh lime juice, lime zest, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes creates a vibrant and pungent flavor profile that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the squash.

Here’s how you can make this healthy butternut squash recipe even more delectable:

Add Some Zing with Lime Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of lime zest, 1 clove of garlic (minced), and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

2. Slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the bowl while continuing to whisk the ingredients together. Aim for a ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part lime juice.

3. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more lime juice for extra tanginess or more crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.

4. Once the roasted butternut squash slices are hot and fresh out of the oven, generously drizzle the lime vinaigrette over them. The hot squash will absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette, creating a mouthwatering taste sensation.

Crunchy Hazelnuts and Scallions for Texture

The flavor enhancements don’t stop at the vinaigrette. To add an extra layer of texture and nuttiness to the dish, sprinkle some chopped toasted hazelnuts and sliced scallions on top of the roasted butternut squash slices. The crunch of the hazelnuts combined with the fresh, bright flavor of the scallions create an appetizing contrast that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Delicious Squash Recipes are all about finding the perfect balance of flavors. By adding a zingy lime vinaigrette and crunchy toppings, you can transform a simple roasted butternut squash into a gourmet delight. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a special occasion or simply indulging in a healthy meal, these flavor enhancements will take your dish to the next level.

Tips for Saving Time

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to enjoy delicious butternut squash slices without spending too much time in the kitchen, you’re in luck! This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also offers some time-saving tips that make it perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Prep Ahead of Time

To save time on the day you plan to cook, consider prepping the butternut squash in advance. Peel, cut, and slice the squash the night before, and store it in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is take out the prepped squash and proceed with the recipe. It’s a great time-saving hack that allows you to enjoy easy butternut squash slices without the added hassle!

Make the Lime Vinaigrette in Advance

Another time-saving tip is to prepare the lime vinaigrette ahead of time. This tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor to the roasted squash slices. Simply combine the fresh lime juice, lime zest, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil in a jar or airtight container. Seal it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This way, you can easily drizzle the vinaigrette over the hot squash slices without any additional preparation.

By prepping the butternut squash and making the lime vinaigrette ahead of time, you’ll be able to streamline the cooking process and save valuable time in the kitchen. It’s a smart strategy that makes this healthy butternut squash recipe even more accessible for busy individuals or families.

With these time-saving tips in mind, you can effortlessly whip up a delicious batch of easy butternut squash slices whenever you’re craving a wholesome and flavorful side dish. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and delectable taste.

Nutrition Information

When it comes to healthy side dish options, these roasted butternut squash slices are an excellent choice. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer several nutritional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition information for this dish.

Calories

Each serving of roasted butternut squash slices contains approximately 96 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying addition to your meal.

Carbohydrates

The dish is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It provides a satisfying option without causing a significant spike in blood sugar levels.

Vitamins and Minerals

Roasted butternut squash slices are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Adding this roasted squash side dish to your meal not only provides a delicious accompaniment but also contributes to a balanced diet. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meals and enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Recipe Variations

This recipe for roasted butternut squash slices offers plenty of opportunities for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste preferences. By experimenting with different spices, seasonings, and toppings, you can create a variety of delicious squash recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Here are some ideas for recipe variations:

1. Add a sweet twist: For a sweeter flavor, try sprinkling cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the butternut squash slices before roasting. This adds warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing its natural sweetness.
2. Get creative with seasonings: Aside from cinnamon and nutmeg, you can explore other spices and seasonings to elevate the flavor profile of your roasted squash. Consider experimenting with cumin, paprika, or even a dash of curry powder to add a touch of exotic flair.
3. Play with different nuts: While chopped hazelnuts are recommended in the original recipe, you can switch things up by using other types of nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work well and provide a different texture and flavor to the dish.
4. Embrace the world of herbs: To add freshness and herbal notes to the roasted squash slices, consider sprinkling some finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme over the top before serving.

You can mix and match these variations or even come up with your own unique combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment in the kitchen – that’s where the magic happens!

“By exploring different spices, seasonings, and toppings, you can elevate the flavor profile of roasted butternut squash slices and create unique and delightful variations.” – Recipe Enthusiast

Upgraded Variation: Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash with Pecans

If you’re looking for a sweet and savory twist on the original recipe, try this upgraded variation that features a maple glaze and crunchy pecans.

With the addition of maple syrup and pecans, this variation takes roasted butternut squash slices to a whole new level. It’s perfect for autumn gatherings or as a side dish for special occasions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Slices is a delicious and healthy side dish option. The combination of caramelized squash, tangy lime vinaigrette, and crunchy nuts creates a flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress. These Delicious Squash Recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a flavorful addition to your weeknight meal.

With some time-saving tips and customizable variations, this Butternut Squash Recipe is not only convenient but also versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your unique taste preferences, making it an ideal choice for individuals with different flavor profiles.

So why wait? Try this mouthwatering recipe today and enjoy a plateful of Roasted Butternut Squash Slices. Healthy and packed with flavor, this dish is a true winner!