Cheese And Butternut Squash: A Match Made In Heaven

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to casseroles and pasta. Its sweet, nutty flavour pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, and mozzarella.

Whether roasted, steamed, or pureed, butternut squash's mild taste and creamy texture make it an ideal base for a variety of cheese-based sauces. For a hearty side dish or vegetarian main course, try baked butternut squash with a cheddar and parmesan topping. For a comforting pasta dish, make a butternut squash mac and cheese with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, or spice things up with cayenne and nutmeg.

Butternut squash's versatility and sweet flavour make it a perfect match for a variety of cheeses, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.

Butternut squash mac and cheese

A perfect fall comfort food, this butternut squash mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the rich, cheesy flavour. The recipe is quite flexible and can be adapted to your preferences. You can roast the squash in advance to save time, and even freeze it for later use.

Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash
• Pasta (shells, elbow macaroni, pipe rigate)
• Cheese (Gruyere, sharp cheddar, pecorino, Parmesan)
• Shallots
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Nutmeg
• Ground sage
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Milk (unsweetened almond, 2%, whole)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Greek yoghurt
• Kale
• Thyme

Instructions:

• Roast the butternut squash and shallots in the oven.
• Prepare the topping by tossing the panko with olive oil.
• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
• Make the squash puree by blending the roasted squash, shallots, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, and pepper.
• Return the pasta pot to the stove, add milk, and warm it over medium heat.
• Pour in the squash puree and cook, stirring frequently.
• Gradually add the cheeses, ensuring each addition melts fully.
• Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat it in the sauce.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the panko, and broil until the topping is crisp and browned.
• Let the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Grate the cheese yourself instead of using store-bought shredded cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
• For a vegan option, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative.
• Add a protein like chicken or ground beef for a heartier meal.

Baked bacon cheese butternut squash

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and chopped into ½ inch chunks
• 4 raw bacon strips, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (2 oz) parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano), freshly grated
• ½ cup (1.5 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Method:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place this mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and evenly top it with the chopped bacon.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the butternut squash is tender-crisp (a fork should go through with a little resistance).

Remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle the parmesan and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the butternut squash is tender.

Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Cheese and Butternut Squash

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavour that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. The slight tanginess of sharp cheddar cheese, for example, complements the natural sweetness of the squash. Other cheeses that go well with butternut squash include mozzarella, Gruyere, and Parmesan.

Cheesy stovetop butternut squash

This delicious, seasonal side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner. It can be prepared in just 40 minutes and cooked in one skillet, so there's less clean-up!

Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Shallots
• Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Butternut squash

Method:

• Sauté the shallot in a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter until softened and starting to brown.
• Add the squash, thyme, sage, salt, and rosemary to the skillet and cook, stirring until mixed and fragrant.
• Add the broth, increase the heat to high, cover, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.
• Top the squash with cheese and cook, covered, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Tips:

You can prepare this recipe ahead of time up until step three and then rewarm it gently when needed, adding the cheese at the end.

Variations:

This recipe can be adapted in many ways. You could try adding some bacon, as in this Baked Bacon Cheese Butternut Squash recipe, or try stuffing the butternut squash with grains and other vegetables, as in this Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash (Vegan) recipe.

For a creamier dish, you could also try blending the butternut squash and using it as a base for a cheese sauce, as in this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe.

Cheesy baked butternut squash

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup panko crumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
• Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine the melted garlic butter with the panko crumbs and set aside.
• In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, shredded cheddar, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the butternut squash mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the garlic-panko mixture on top.
• Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Tips:

• For a sweeter flavour, drizzle the butternut squash with maple syrup or honey before roasting.
• For extra crunch, combine the panko crumbs with melted garlic butter and set aside.
• To save time, prepare the dish in advance up until the baking stage, then freeze. When ready to eat, simply thaw, top with the garlic-panko mixture, and bake as usual.
• For a nuttier flavour, experiment with different cheeses such as aged Parmesan, Gruyere, or a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere.
• For a crispy topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking.

Butternut squash with cheese

Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, or mashed and pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Here are some mouth-watering butternut squash and cheese combinations to try:

Cheesy Stovetop Butternut Squash

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the sharp tang of cheddar cheese. It also includes extra virgin olive oil, unsalted butter, shallots, and fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just one skillet, making it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving side.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

A comforting and creamy dish that is perfect for fall. This recipe uses butternut squash puree as the base for the cheese sauce, resulting in an extra creamy texture. It includes three types of cheese – Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and pecorino or Parmesan. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the rich, cheesy flavor, and the dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Baked Bacon Cheese Butternut Squash

This hearty and comforting dish combines the sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash with the salty, melty goodness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The addition of bacon provides a savory crispness that takes this side dish to the next level. It's an easy-to-prepare, one-dish wonder that's perfect for fall and winter.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt

This healthy twist on the classic mac and cheese uses pureed butternut squash as the base for a velvety cheese sauce. It includes Greek yogurt, whole wheat pasta, bacon or pancetta, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a nutritious and indulgent-tasting dish that's perfect for picky eaters and toddlers.

Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash

This oven-baked dish is a gorgeous, vegetarian-friendly option with a lovely cheese pull. It combines butternut squash with parmesan and white cheddar cheeses, resulting in a soft and subtly sweet and nutty flavor. The addition of garlic and a panko crumb topping provides a delicious crunch. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.

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