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Brown Butter Winter Squash

Brown butter winter squash is going to banish memories of all other butternut squash recipes—including that boring brown sugar and butter trick your mom used—from your mind. Here's how to cook it.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Two small winter squashes such as butternut or acorn
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for the baking sheet
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 equal chunks
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary, or marjoram (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds and strings. Lightly brush both the curved and the cut sides of the squash halves with the olive oil. Season the cut sides of the squash generously with salt and pepper, then place the squash, cut-side down, on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast the squash until very nearly tender when pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and, using a spatula, carefully turn each one cut-side up. Plonk a piece of butter in each squash cavity. Sprinkle each squash with the herbs, if using. Continue to roast the squash halves until the butter is melted and begins to brown lightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Using a sturdy spatula (or 2 spatulas or a spatula and tongs or whatever it takes), transfer the squash to a platter or individual plates. Serve at once.

Notes

  • Winter Squash with Maple Syrup
  • Bake the squash for 20 minutes as directed. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and then remove from the heat. When you turn the squash halves, add the seasoned butter to the cavities, dividing it evenly. Omit the herbs and proceed as directed.
  • Winter Squash with Southwest Spices
  • Bake the squash for 20 minutes as directed. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds or chili powder, stir for 30 seconds, and then remove from the heat. When you turn the squash halves, add the seasoned butter to the cavities, dividing it evenly. Omit the herbs and proceed as directed.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1portion Calories 250kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 44g (15%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 16mg (1%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion
Calories 250kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 16mg 1%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 8g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.