Imagine a side dish so luxuriously smooth and decadently sweet that it transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. Our Mashed Honey Butternut Squash is not just a recipe—it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to a world of rich, caramelized flavors and velvety textures. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this incredibly simple yet sophisticated dish promises to become your new favorite autumn comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully wash the butternut squash and pat it dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center using a spoon.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the flesh and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is completely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The edges should be slightly caramelized.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes until it's safe to handle.
- Scoop the roasted squash flesh into a large mixing bowl, discarding the skin.
- Add butter and honey to the warm squash. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the squash until smooth and creamy, ensuring the butter and honey are fully incorporated.
- Taste the mashed squash and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, creating a small well in the center and drizzling a little extra honey on top for garnish if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or chopped herbs like thyme or sage.
Tips
- • Choose a ripe butternut squash with a deep, uniform color and heavy for its size • For extra caramelization, roast the squash cut-side down for the first 20 minutes • Use high-quality honey for a more complex, nuanced sweetness • If the squash seems dry, add a splash of cream or milk while mashing • Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can elevate the flavor profile dramatically • For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil • Allow the squash to cool slightly before mashing to prevent burning your hands • For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
