Sage brown butter butternut squash topped with crispy breadcrumbs

Why Make This Recipe

Sage Brown Butter Butternut Squash with Crispy Breadcrumbs is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and nutty flavors of butternut squash with the rich taste of browned butter and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting side dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe stand out and will impress anyone at your table.

How to Make Sage Brown Butter Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

2 lb butternut squash, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
10 sage leaves
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
While the squash roasts, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until the butter turns golden brown.
Add the sage leaves to the browned butter. Sauté until the sage becomes crispy, then transfer the leaves to a plate.
Add the panko breadcrumbs to the remaining butter in the skillet. Toast the breadcrumbs until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Once the squash is done roasting, take it out of the oven and spoon the toasted breadcrumbs over the squash.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top, and then crumble the crispy sage leaves over everything just before serving.

How to Serve Sage Brown Butter Butternut Squash

Serve this dish warm as a side with your favorite main courses. It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian feast. The crispy breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch, while the sage and Parmesan enhance the overall flavor.

How to Store Sage Brown Butter Butternut Squash

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. For the best texture, add a little fresh panko before reheating to restore some crispiness.

Tips to Make Sage Brown Butter Butternut Squash

Make sure to cut the butternut squash into even cubes for even cooking.
Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning it.
Feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your taste.
For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the squash before roasting.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different herbs or spices. For a twist, try using thyme instead of sage, or add garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Additionally, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen butternut squash can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the butternut squash and breadcrumbs ahead of time, then combine and bake them just before serving for the best results.