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Buy Now →This sautéed butternut squash dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors: crispy golden edges, creamy interiors, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with fresh rosemary. Finished with a hint of Parmesan and a touch of lemon juice, it delivers a mouthwatering balance of savoriness and brightness. Ideal as a side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or fish, these butternut squash sticks are versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or serving up a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your guests and bring seasonal flair to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash (with a long, thick neck), peeled and seeded
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
- Cut the neck off the butternut squash, reserving the base for another use. Trim the stem, peel the neck, and slice it into four ½-inch-thick slabs. Cut each slab into four sticks.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butternut squash sticks and sauté, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Add butter, rosemary sprigs, and crushed garlic to the skillet. Tilt the pan so the butter pools on one side, then use a spoon to baste the squash continuously with the infused butter. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the squash. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Serve immediately, spooning the rosemary garlic butter sauce over the squash. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Seasonal Delight
Butternut squash is a beloved ingredient during the fall and winter seasons, renowned for its creamy texture, slightly sweet flavor, and versatility in various dishes. Whether roasted, mashed, or sautéed, butternut squash is a fantastic way to bring color, nutrition, and flavor to your table. This Sauteed Butternut Squash with Garlic Rosemary Butter recipe elevates the humble squash into a rich and satisfying side dish perfect for cozy dinners and festive gatherings alike.
What makes this recipe stand out is the blend of simplicity and bold flavors. It’s quick to prepare but tastes as though it’s been crafted with the precision of a fine-dining chef. By sautéing the squash in olive oil and butter, the natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced, while the garlic and rosemary lend a savory, aromatic touch. A hint of lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious, nutty finish.
The Charm of Butternut Squash
The versatility of butternut squash is one of its most remarkable traits. Its mildly sweet and nutty flavor allows it to pair effortlessly with both savory and sweet ingredients. Nutritionally, butternut squash is a powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Its vibrant orange color is an indicator of its high beta-carotene content, which is beneficial for eye health and immune support.
In this recipe, the choice to cut the squash into sticks instead of traditional cubes adds a unique texture and presentation. The shape ensures even cooking and provides crispy, golden edges, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Cooking Techniques That Elevate the Dish
Sautéing is an excellent method to prepare butternut squash because it creates a delightful contrast between crispy exteriors and tender, creamy interiors. The use of a cast-iron skillet helps achieve this perfect balance, as it retains and evenly distributes heat. The butter-basting technique, inspired by classic steakhouse methods, infuses the squash with a rich, nutty flavor while ensuring it doesn’t dry out during the cooking process.
The addition of garlic and rosemary to the butter transforms a simple dish into a complex flavor profile. Rosemary, with its pine-like fragrance, complements the earthiness of the squash, while garlic adds a robust and aromatic depth. Cooking these ingredients together in butter enhances their flavors and ensures every bite is infused with deliciousness.
A splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving provides a pop of acidity that balances the dish and makes the flavors shine. This simple touch prevents the dish from feeling too heavy and adds a refreshing finish.
Versatility in Pairing and Presentation
This dish is an incredibly versatile side that can complement a variety of main courses. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork, making it an excellent choice for holiday menus. For vegetarian meals, it works well alongside hearty grain dishes like quinoa or farro or as a topping for creamy polenta.
Presentation also plays a significant role in elevating this dish. The golden-brown sticks of butternut squash, glistening with rosemary-infused butter, create an inviting visual appeal. Garnishing the dish with freshly grated Parmesan adds a layer of elegance, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.
Tips for Success
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure the best results:
- Choose the Right Squash: Select a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform, light orange skin without blemishes or soft spots. This ensures a fresh and flavorful base for the dish.
- Prep with Precision: Use a sharp knife and vegetable peeler to cut the squash into evenly sized sticks. Consistent sizing is essential for even cooking.
- Maximize Flavor: Take care not to burn the butter while basting. The goal is to achieve a golden, nutty aroma that enhances the flavors of the garlic and rosemary.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: The lemon juice may seem like a small addition, but it’s crucial for balancing the richness of the butter and bringing out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the standout qualities of this sautéed butternut squash dish is its adaptability. It’s elegant enough for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas but simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner. The quick cooking time and minimal ingredient list make it a practical choice, while the rich flavors and eye-catching presentation ensure it feels indulgent.
The recipe is also highly customizable. For those who prefer a vegan option, the butter can be replaced with plant-based alternatives, and the Parmesan cheese can be swapped for nutritional yeast. You can also experiment with additional herbs like thyme or sage to tailor the flavors to your liking.
A Seasonal Favorite That Never Fails
This Sauteed Butternut Squash with Garlic Rosemary Butter recipe captures the essence of autumn and winter cooking. It celebrates the natural beauty and flavor of butternut squash, highlighting its sweetness and creamy texture while complementing it with savory and aromatic elements.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Its simplicity, versatility, and vibrant flavors make it a staple in any seasonal recipe repertoire.
Conclusion:
Incorporating seasonal ingredients like butternut squash into your meals is a fantastic way to celebrate nature’s bounty while creating wholesome, delicious dishes. This recipe exemplifies how a few high-quality ingredients and simple techniques can transform a humble vegetable into a gourmet side dish.
With its rich flavors, quick preparation, and stunning presentation, Sauteed Butternut Squash with Garlic Rosemary Butter is destined to become a favorite in your household. Try it for yourself, and experience the joy of turning fresh, seasonal produce into a culinary masterpiece!