Hasselback Butternut Squash with Maple Pecan Glaze: Your Irresistible Holiday Side Dish
Embrace the season with this spectacular Hasselback Butternut Squash, artfully enhanced with a luscious maple pecan drizzle! This dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes, though its stunning presentation will certainly be a showstopper on any holiday table. Beyond its captivating appearance, it delivers an explosion of flavors and textures: the inherent sweetness of tender butternut squash, perfectly complemented by the rich, warm notes of maple and the delightful crunch of caramelized pecans. It’s a truly irresistible culinary creation that promises to delight every palate.
Each time I revisit the vibrant photographs of this hasselback butternut squash, I’m instantly reminded of its exceptional taste. While butternut squash is inherently delicious in countless preparations, let me assure you, this particular recipe elevates it to an entirely new level. It’s a dish that truly merits a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire, destined to be made and savored time and again.
My goal in creating this recipe was to craft a holiday dish that would universally impress, captivating both vegan and non-vegan guests alike, eliciting a resounding “WOW!” as it graces the table. It successfully achieves this not only through its undeniable visual appeal but also with a flavor profile that is equally exquisite. The butternut squash itself boasts a naturally sweet and earthy taste, which the maple pecan drizzle magically enhances, adding layers of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice.
The true beauty of this hasselback butternut squash lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s straightforward enough to whip up for a simple weeknight dinner, yet undeniably impressive and sophisticated for significant holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Why You’ll Adore This Hasselback Butternut Squash Recipe
This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this Hasselback Butternut Squash will quickly become a favorite:
- A Show-Stopping Centerpiece: Prepare for gasps and compliments! This dish stands out with its gorgeous fan-like cuts that not only look intricate but also allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a visual highlight on any dining table, perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
- Surprisingly Easy to Prepare: While its elegant presentation might suggest complexity, creating this hasselback squash is remarkably simple. The process of making the signature slits in the squash is quicker than you might think, and the oven does the majority of the work. The flavorful maple pecan drizzle comes together with just a few quick stirs, making this impressive dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Special Occasion: Whether you’re planning a grand Thanksgiving dinner, a festive Christmas feast, a cozy autumn gathering, or even just elevating a regular weeknight meal, this hasselback butternut squash is perfectly suited. Its combination of rich flavors and appealing aesthetics makes it ideal for celebrating.
- Exquisite Balance of Flavors and Textures: This recipe delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and earthy notes. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash is amplified by the maple syrup, while a hint of allspice and cayenne adds warmth and a subtle kick. The fresh thyme and sage introduce aromatic depth, and the caramelized pecans provide an irresistible nutty crunch, creating a truly dynamic eating experience.
- Wholesome and Vegan-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and entirely vegan, this dish is a fantastic option for catering to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste or satisfaction. Butternut squash is also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this a delicious and healthy choice.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hasselback Butternut Squash
Success in cooking often starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for this flavorful dish and why each component is important.
For exact quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
For the Hasselback Butternut Squash:
- Butternut Squash: Select a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform, unblemished skin. After cutting it in half lengthwise, meticulously scoop out all the seeds and fibrous pulp. While peeling the squash is optional – the skin is indeed edible, though it has a firmer texture than varieties like delicata or acorn squash – I highly recommend peeling it for a more consistently tender and enjoyable eating experience.
- Oil: A good quality olive oil or avocado oil works wonderfully here. It helps the squash caramelize beautifully in the oven, prevents sticking, and provides a rich base for the seasonings.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash and balancing the overall flavor profile. Don’t be shy with seasoning!
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme offers a beautiful, woody, and slightly floral aroma that is an exceptional pairing for the earthy and sweet notes of winter squash. Its sprigs are perfect for nestling into the hasselback slits, infusing every crevice with flavor.
- Water: Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the baking dish is a clever trick. It creates a steamy environment, helping the squash cook evenly and become incredibly tender, while also preventing any of the delicious drippings from burning on the pan.
For the Maple Pecan Drizzle:
- Maple Syrup: This is the star of the drizzle! It’s essential to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Real maple syrup offers a complex, natural sweetness and a depth of flavor that artificial syrups simply cannot replicate, and it caramelizes beautifully.
- Allspice: This spice lives up to its name, bringing notes of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in one go. It adds a wonderfully warm and aromatic dimension to the glaze, perfectly complementing the autumnal flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who appreciate a touch of heat, cayenne pepper introduces a subtle warmth that elevates the sweetness without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer no spice.
- Dried Sage: I recommend using rubbed sage over ground sage. Rubbed sage has a coarser texture and releases a more robust, earthy, and slightly peppery aroma, which pairs exquisitely with both the squash and the other spices in the drizzle.
- Fresh Thyme (Chopped): While whole sprigs are used for garnish and infusion into the squash slits, finely chopped fresh thyme is incorporated directly into the drizzle, ensuring its vibrant, herbaceous notes are evenly distributed throughout the glaze.
- Chopped Pecans: These add a fantastic textural contrast and nutty flavor. Since they will be chopped anyway, save money by purchasing pecan pieces instead of whole pecans. They toast beautifully in the oven, becoming delightfully caramelized and crunchy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Hasselback Butternut Squash
Follow these detailed steps to create a stunning and delicious side dish that’s easier than it looks!
- Preparation & Initial Roast: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or a baking dish with slightly raised edges with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Carefully place the butternut squash halves, flesh-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Generously coat both sides of the squash with oil, ensuring every surface is glistening. Season them liberally with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and roast the squash halves for an initial 15 minutes. This preliminary roast helps to soften the squash slightly, making it much easier to slice for the hasselback technique.
- Prepare the Maple Pecan Drizzle: While the squash is roasting, dedicate a few minutes to preparing the delectable drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), dried rubbed sage, and chopped fresh thyme. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and fragrant. Set this mixture aside, reserving the chopped pecans until later.
- Perform the Hasselback Slices: Once the initial 15 minutes of roasting are complete, carefully remove the squash from the oven and transfer it to a sturdy cutting board. This is where the magic of “hasselback” happens! Using a very sharp knife, make parallel slits across the butternut squash halves, approximately ¼ inch apart. The key is to slice deeply, creating distinct fanned sections, but without cutting all the way through to the bottom. A helpful trick is to place a chopstick or two on either side of the squash (along the long edges) to act as a barrier, preventing your knife from cutting too far down. These slits are vital, as they create more surface area for the glaze to seep into, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Glaze and Bake: Gently return the sliced squash halves to the baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the maple drizzle all over the squash, making sure it seeps into all the intricate slits. Reserve about a tablespoon of the drizzle for later. For an extra touch of herbaceous aroma, push a few small pieces of fresh thyme sprigs into some of the slits. Now, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish, around the squash. This liquid is essential as it prevents any sugars from burning and helps create a moist, steamy environment, ensuring the squash cooks through beautifully and the bottom caramelizes. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 50 minutes. Remember to check the water level every 15 minutes or so, adding more if the pan appears dry. If the tops of the squash begin to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Final Touch and Serve: After 50 minutes, remove the squash from the oven. Stir the chopped pecans into the reserved tablespoon of maple drizzle, then pour this glorious mixture evenly over the top of the squash, allowing the pecans to nestle into the fanned sections. Return the pan to the oven for a final 5 minutes of baking. This short burst of heat will gently toast the pecans, infusing them with the maple flavor and giving them a perfect crunch. Once done, remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly for easier handling and enhanced flavors, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Hasselback Butternut Squash
Achieving a perfectly cooked and visually stunning hasselback butternut squash is simple with these helpful tips:
- Precision Slicing is Key: The signature look of hasselback squash comes from uniform, deep cuts that don’t go all the way through. To help guide your knife and prevent accidental full slices, place a chopstick on either side of the squash along its length. These chopsticks will act as a stopping guide, ensuring your knife cuts deep enough to create the “fanning” effect but leaves the base intact. This technique is crucial for both presentation and texture, allowing the slices to hold together while still absorbing all the delicious glaze.
- Maintain Moisture with Water: The small amount of water added to the baking dish serves a dual purpose: it prevents the sugars in the glaze from burning and creates a steamy environment that helps the squash become incredibly tender without drying out. Make sure to check the water level every 15 minutes during the baking process. If the pan appears dry, replenish with a tablespoon or two of hot water. Consistent moisture is vital for tender, caramelized results.
- Prevent Over-Browning with Foil: Butternut squash can brown quickly, especially the edges and tops. If you notice the tops of your hasselback butternut squash are browning faster than you’d like, or before the squash is fully tender, simply loosely tent the baking pan with aluminum foil. This acts as a shield, slowing down the browning while allowing the squash to continue cooking through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want a deeper golden finish.
- Choose the Right Squash Size: When selecting your butternut squash, aim for one that is relatively uniform in size and shape along its length. This makes it much easier to cut into even halves and perform the hasselback slits consistently, leading to a more evenly cooked and attractive final dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Baking Pan: For optimal roasting and caramelization, ensure there’s enough space around each squash half on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in a less caramelized and flavorful exterior. Use two baking sheets if necessary to give the squash room to breathe.
- Peeling for Optimal Texture: While butternut squash skin is technically edible, it can be tough and fibrous, especially on larger, more mature squash. Peeling the squash before roasting ensures a consistently smooth and tender texture throughout, making every bite a delight. A good vegetable peeler makes this task quick and easy.
Exciting Variations to Try
While the maple pecan drizzle is undeniably delicious, this hasselback butternut squash is also a fantastic canvas for other flavor profiles. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Savory Indulgence: If you’re leaning towards a more savory experience, simply omit the maple glaze. Instead, consider using browned vegan butter. Not all vegan butters will brown effectively, but my homemade vegan butter recipe is specifically designed to achieve that rich, nutty browned butter flavor. Drizzle the browned butter over the squash before and during baking. For an exquisite finishing touch, sprinkle with homemade vegan Parmesan cheese and freshly minced sage leaves. This savory version offers a delightful umami depth with herbaceous notes that are perfect for those who prefer less sweetness.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Rosemary, with its pungent, piney notes, is another excellent companion to butternut squash. You could also try a blend of sage and rosemary. Simply chop them finely and mix them with the oil, salt, and pepper, or incorporate them into a savory glaze.
- Spiced Warmth: For an even warmer, more aromatic profile, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of smoked paprika to your maple pecan drizzle. These spices deepen the autumnal flavors and add complexity, creating a cozy and inviting aroma.
- Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts or even chopped almonds would work beautifully in the drizzle, offering a similar crunch and nutty complement to the squash. Toast them lightly before adding to the glaze for enhanced flavor.
Perfect Serving Companions
This hasselback butternut squash is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and other side dishes, making it ideal for both casual and festive meals.
- Holiday Main Courses: Serve this impressive side alongside your holiday centerpiece. It’s an excellent accompaniment to a savory vegan turkey roast or a hearty vegan meatloaf. The sweet and savory notes of the squash beautifully complement the richness of these main dishes.
- Classic Holiday Sides: For a truly complete holiday spread, pair it with other beloved vegan favorites. Imagine it alongside vibrant cranberry orange sauce, creamy vegan mashed potatoes, a luscious vegan gravy, and a comforting sweet potato soufflé. The variety of colors, textures, and flavors will create an unforgettable meal.
- Everyday Dinners: Don’t reserve this dish just for holidays! It makes a fantastic side for roasted chickpeas, a simple lentil loaf, or even a hearty grain bowl for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight meal. Its robust flavor can elevate even the simplest proteins.
- Brunch or Lunch: Cut into smaller portions, this hasselback squash can also be a unique addition to a brunch spread or a light lunch. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a vegan quiche.
Storing Your Leftover Hasselback Butternut Squash
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, this hasselback butternut squash stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. Store leftover hasselback butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, for a quicker option, reheat in the microwave until hot, though the oven method will yield a better texture.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly! You can freeze hasselback butternut squash for up to 3 months. To do so, allow the cooked squash to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the squash overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it using the instructions provided above, preferably in the oven for the best texture.
More Delightful Butternut Squash Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and flavor of butternut squash, there’s a whole world of delicious recipes waiting for you. Here are some other fantastic ways to enjoy this nutritious winter squash:
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: A comforting and velvety soup, perfect for chilly days.
- Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: A healthier, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, featuring a rich and creamy squash-based sauce.
- Vegan Butternut Squash and Apple Soup: A wonderful blend of sweet and savory, combining the earthiness of squash with the crisp tartness of apples.
- Hearty Butternut Squash Pasta Bake: A satisfying and flavorful baked pasta dish, incorporating roasted butternut squash for depth and nutrition.
Enjoy these wonderful recipes, friends! If you make this beautiful hasselback butternut squash, we’d absolutely love to see your creations. Please snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging #jessicainthekitchen. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, so please feel free to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Thank you so much for your support and happy cooking!
Hasselback Butternut Squash
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Ingredients
Hasselback Butternut Squash
- 1 butternut squash, halved, peeled, seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Thyme on stems to push into butternut squash
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Maple Pecan Drizzle
- 2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon all spice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne – I like it hot, you can lower to ¼ teaspoon or remove
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, reserve until the end of the recipe
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C.
- Line a baking sheet or dish (with slightly high edges) with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone mat. Set aside.
- Halve your squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a large spoon. Using a peeler, remove skin and white flesh below (until you reach the deep orange flesh). Place your butternut squash halves down on the lined baking sheet/dish.
- Rub oil all over both sides of the butternut squash, including the side facing down. Use more oil if needed depending on the size of your butternut squash. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Roast your squash halves for 15 minutes.
- While squash halves are roasting, mix the Maple Drizzle ingredients – the maple syrup, all spice, cayenne pepper, dried sage and fresh thyme together with a whisk (everything except the pecans). Set aside until ready to use.
- Remove squash from baking sheet and place onto a cutting board (I use a large spatula to help move them).
- Using a sharp knife, create slits ¼” apart on the butternut squash (look at the photo above). Try to slice deeply, but don’t cut through it. It’s okay if you do once or twice, it’s still beautiful! You can use chopsticks on either side of the butternut squash to help guide you so you don’t slice all the way through.
- Place the now sliced squash halves back onto the baking sheet. Brush the squash with the maple drizzle, reserving about a tablespoon. Push a few pieces of fresh thyme still on their stems into the slits of the squash.
- Add in the 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent burning. The liquid will also caramelise beautifully. Bake for 50 more minutes. Check every 15 minutes or so to see if the water has run out, then add more. If the tops of the butternut squash begin browning too quickly, tent with some foil.
- Remove from oven, add the chopped pecans into the last of the reserve maple drizzle, then pour it all over the top of the squash. Bake for 5 more minutes.
- Remove, allow to cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
To freeze: You can freeze hasselback butternut squash for up to 3 months. Place the squash in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.