Description

This creamy Parmesan and garlic butternut squash bake is the perfect side dish for any occasion. With tender slices of butternut squash coated in rich garlic butter, topped with a golden panko-Parmesan crust, and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite on your table.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 ½ pounds), peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Butternut Squash:

Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and slice it thinly into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

3. Make the Garlic Butter:

In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Toss the Squash in Garlic Butter:

Place the squash slices in a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the squash and toss until all the slices are evenly coated.

5. Season and Layer the Squash:

Sprinkle the squash with salt and black pepper. Arrange the slices in an even layer in the greased baking dish.

6. Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the squash slices.

7. Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the topping is golden brown.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish.
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a comforting and flavorful side dish!

Notes

Slice Uniformly: Thin, even slices of squash ensure that it cooks evenly. Use a mandoline slicer for best results.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the panko-Parmesan topping just before baking.
Customizable Toppings: Swap the panko bread crumbs for crushed crackers or nuts for a different crunch.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American