If you want a side dish that looks fancy but is simple to pull off, Hasselback Butternut Squash with garlic butter is it. Golden-fanned slices of squash soak up garlic butter, thyme, and honey, then roast until crisp-edged and tender inside. A festive dish that dazzles without stress.
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Why Hasselback Butternut Squash Belongs on Your Table
- Visually striking presentation
- Sweet squash meets savory garlic butter and fresh herbs
- Crisp edges, tender flesh inside
- Works as a vegetarian main or side for roast meats
- Can be prepped ahead and finished at serving time
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3–4 sprigs thyme (or rosemary/sage)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make Hasselback Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter
Prep & Hasselback Slicing
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel squash, halve lengthwise, remove seeds. Place halves flat side down. Make thin slices almost through—use chopsticks beside squash as a guard so you don’t slice all the way through.
First Roast
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment. Drizzle olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast ~30 minutes until just tender.
Garlic Butter Sauce & Basting
While squash roasts, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme, chili flakes until fragrant. Remove squash, fan open slices and brush garlic butter generously. Roast another 20-25 minutes, basting halfway. Drizzle honey near the end so edges caramelize.
Tips for a Perfect Hasselback Butternut Squash
- Using chopsticks on either side ensures safe slicing.
- Medium squash with firm flesh is easiest to work with.
- If you prefer, swap honey with maple syrup for sweet finish.
- Can roast ahead then reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Related recipes
Here are some recipes that pair beautifully with Hasselback Butternut Squash with Garlic Butter:
- Crockpot Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Autumn Delicata Squash Salad
Use these to build out a full, festive dinner spread.
Variations
- Add grated Parmesan during roasting for cheesy topping
- Change thyme to rosemary or sage
- Use hot honey or add extra chili flakes for spice
- Garnish with toasted nuts for crunch
Storage & Reheating
- Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed and edges crisp again
- Avoid microwave to preserve texture
FAQs
Yes — peeling results in tender slices without chewy skin.
Yes — replace butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
Not recommended; squash texture degrades after freezing.
Hasselback Butternut Squash in Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
Golden-fanned slices of butternut squash soak up garlic butter, thyme, and honey, then roast until crisp-edged and tender inside. A festive dish that dazzles without stress.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3–4 sprigs thyme (or rosemary/sage)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel squash, halve lengthwise, remove seeds. Place halves flat side down. Make thin slices almost through—use chopsticks beside squash as a guard.
- Place squash halves on a parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes until just tender.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme, and chili flakes; cook until fragrant.
- Remove squash from oven, fan open slices, and brush generously with garlic butter. Roast another 20–25 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Near the end, drizzle with honey so edges caramelize beautifully.
Notes
Use chopsticks on either side for safe slicing. Medium squash with firm flesh is easiest. Swap honey with maple syrup if preferred. Roast ahead, then reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Final Thoughts
Hasselback Butternut Squash with garlic butter is one of those rare dishes that looks restaurant-level but takes minimal effort. It delivers flavor, texture, and presentation. Bundle it with sides like Crockpot Garlic Butter Green Beans or Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli from Virile Recipes for a memorable festive table.
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