Brown Butter Butternut Squash – A Perfectly Savory Side Dish That Will Steal the Show at Every Meal

Brown butter takes this Butternut Squash dish to a whole new level, infusing the naturally sweet squash with a rich, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. Combined with caramelized onions and a crispy cracker topping, this recipe is a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, Brown Butter Butternut Squash will easily become a favorite!

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Brown Butter Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable, but it often gets overlooked as a side dish. The addition of browned butter elevates its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s perfect for any meal. Brown butter is made by gently cooking butter until the milk solids begin to toast, creating a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted butternut squash. Topped with crispy butter crackers, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Brown Butter Butternut Squash Will Be the Star of Your Meal

This dish has everything you could want in a side—it’s savory, slightly sweet, and has the perfect amount of crunch. The butternut squash becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks with caramelized onions, and the brown butter adds a luxurious, rich flavor. A sprinkle of dried thyme brings a touch of earthiness, while the buttery cracker topping adds the perfect contrast of texture. Whether served at a holiday dinner or a casual meal, this side dish will easily outshine the main course.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 4g

Brown Butter Butternut Squash is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich side dish is perfect for holiday feasts and special dinners. Pair it with roasted turkey, ham, or pork tenderloin for a classic combination. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh, leafy green salad. To really impress your guests, try serving it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp apple salad for a fall-inspired spread.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Brown Butter Butternut Squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. If freezing, store the dish tightly wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.

Fun Fact: The History of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a member of the winter squash family and was first developed in the 1940s by a Massachusetts farmer named Charles A. Leggett. He wanted to create a squash that had the sweet, nutty flavor of the squash he loved but with a smaller size and easier-to-peel skin. The result was the butternut squash we know and love today!

Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Overbrown the Butter: Brown butter is delicious, but it can quickly turn into burnt butter if left on the heat too long. As soon as the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
2. Cut Even-Sized Squash Pieces: To ensure even cooking, make sure your butternut squash is cut into evenly sized cubes. This will help them cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others are undercooked.
3. Make It Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion, you can assemble it a day ahead and bake it just before serving. Simply store the prepared squash in the refrigerator, covered, and bake when ready.

Optional Variations

1. Add Parmesan Cheese: For a savory twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before baking. The cheese will melt and create a golden, cheesy crust.
2. Sweeten It Up: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the squash before baking for a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the brown butter.
3. Add Bacon: For an extra savory kick, crumble cooked bacon over the top of the dish just before serving. The smoky bacon flavor complements the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the brown butter.

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Brown Butter Butternut Squash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1 small to medium onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 sleeve butter crackers, crushed (about 15 crackers, I used Ritz)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F. Place the cubed butternut squash in a casserole dish and set aside.
2. Caramelize the onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized. Pour the onions over the squash and toss to combine.
3. Brown the butter: Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Cook over medium heat until the butter begins to foam and turns golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour the browned butter over the squash and onions.
4. Season the dish: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the squash and stir everything to mix. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven.
5. Bake: Bake the dish for 50 minutes, then remove from the oven. Sprinkle the crushed butter crackers on top of the squash and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter with every bite!

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Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Butternut Squash is a simple yet elegant side dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted squash with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter. The caramelized onions and buttery cracker topping take it to the next level, making this a dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Once you try it, you’ll want to serve it with everything!