Baked Butternut Squash

Name: Baked Butternut Squash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash ((about 3-pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch cubes); 4 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped); ¼ cup panko crumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

by Katerina

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Nov 02, 2014, Updated Sep 02, 2024

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This cheesy baked butternut squash is oven-baked for a gorgeous cheese pull and a soft bite. With lots of cheese and garlic, this buttery casserole is much healthier than it seems and is the perfect side for your holiday menu.

If you love the sweet, caramelized flavor in roasted butternut squash, then you have to try my sancocho Dominicano and this delicious Instant Pot butternut squash soup stat!

Overhead view of a baking dish with baked butternut squash.

Easy Butternut Squash Recipe

Loaded with parmesan and white cheddar, this cheesy baked butternut squash is the perfect holiday casserole for all your gatherings. With a lovely cheese pull and lots of garlic, it’s comforting and healthy all at once. Plus, it’s vegetarian!

Baked until fork-tender, the squash is subtly sweet and nutty— perfect to balance out the richness of the cheese. Fortunately, it’s also ready in less than an hour and is practically a one-dish side for easy clean-up.

The oven does all the hard work for you, so can you really complain about being in charge of bringing a side dish this year? Trust me, after the first spoonful, you’ll be signing up for side-dish duty every year from now on.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Butternut Squash Recipe

Prep-friendly. Making it ahead and freezing it will save you lots of time this holiday season. Just thaw it a day before your gathering, bake, and enjoy.
Vegetarian. Packed with butternut squash, cheese, and garlic, this recipe is perfect for the vegetarians in the family or group. I love to stir it into boursin pasta for a meatless dinner!
Easy. The “hardest” part of the recipe is tossing the butternut squash with olive oil. The oven does the rest for you.

Butternut squash set in the center of ingredients that will be used for baking the squash.

Recipe Ingredients

You won’t believe how flavorful this butternut squash turns out with only 10 ingredients. For full instructions and ingredient amounts, check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Butternut squash – Spaghetti squash and acorn squash work too.
Butter – I use unsalted, but you can also use salted butter.
Garlic cloves – You can also use 1 tsp garlic powder instead.
Panko crumbs – I love to combine the panko crumbs with butter and garlic to add a bit of crunch to the tender butternut squash.
Extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil, grapeseed, canola, and sunflower oil are great substitutes.
Parmesan cheese & white cheddar cheese – Feel free to use mild cheddar, Edam, Gouda, or Colby cheese instead.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the flavors of the squash.
Fresh parsley – It adds a nice herbiness and a pop of color, but you can skip it.

How to Make Baked Butternut Squash

Making this butternut squash only requires 6 easy steps. With its tender, caramelized edges, this dish is a delicious twist on classic roasted butternut squash. It combines the best of fall flavors, and whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just a cozy dinner, this recipe is your go-to for a flavorful and easy roasted side dish.

Peeling a butternut squash with a knife.

Adding cracked pepper to diced butternut squash.

Prepare the baking dish. Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Generously grease a 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside.
Cook the garlic. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. Add the garlic and let it cook for 2 minutes.
Make the panko. Add the panko to a bowl and pour the melted garlic butter over it. Toss to combine and set it aside.
Toss the butternut. Place the butternut squash in a large bowl. Drizzle it with olive oil. Add the parmesan and cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake. Transfer the butternut squash to the prepared baking dish. Top it with the garlic-panko mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender and slightly browned.
Serve. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Serve, garnish with parsley, and enjoy.

Make Ahead

This baked squash recipe can be prepped ahead of time, up to the point of baking, making it convenient for busy schedules, especially during holidays.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips for perfectly baked and seasoned squash:

Use a cheese-blend. This tip is a life-saver and a great way to use up leftover cheeses in the fridge.
Cook the squash well. There’s nothing like pulling a dish out of the oven for it to be undercooked. Probe it with a fork by making sure the squash is tender all the way through.
Adding Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary along with the salt and pepper.
Sweet-Savory Flavors: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup or honey over the squash before roasting. This creates a nice contrast with the savory cheese and garlic.
Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheeses like a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere or using aged Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
Broil for a Crispy Top: Broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crispy finish on the cheesy topping.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take Butternut Squash To Soften In The Oven?

Butternut squash will soften after 40-45 minutes of baking. However, if you cut it into 1″ cubes, it can cook in up to 30 minutes.

Do You Peel Butternut Squash Before Baking?

For this recipe, yes. However, the skin is edible so you can also bake butternut squash without peeling it.

Spooning out baked butternut squash from a casserole dish.

Serving Suggestions

This butternut squash is a wonderful, healthy side you need to add to your holiday menu right now. Paired with my juicy slow cooker turkey breast and easy roast turkey recipe, it screams fall and winter from start to finish.

To complete the meal, don’t forget to serve it with other sides like my maple roasted carrots and roasted green beans with squash and tomatoes.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat it by sprinkling it with 1 tsp water and then microwaving it for 1-2 minutes or until warm.

Can You Freeze This?

Once baked, no. However, you can prepare it up until the baking part and then place it in a freezer-friendly container. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge the night before so it thaws. Top it with the garlic-panko mixture and cook as usual.

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