Tear Apart Crispy Parmesan Butternut Squash
Tear Apart Crispy Parmesan Butternut Squash is a stunning roasted side dish featuring tender butternut squash sliced Hasselback-style and coated with savory Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Roasted until golden and crispy on the edges, this flavorful recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, and elegant entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2½–3 pounds), peeled
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel the butternut squash and trim both ends to create a stable base.
- Place the squash on a cutting board and carefully make thin slices about ⅛ to ¼ inch apart, stopping just before cutting all the way through so the squash remains intact.
- Transfer the squash to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the entire squash generously with olive oil, ensuring some oil reaches between the slices.
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the squash, gently working some of the mixture between the slices.
- Roast for 40–50 minutes, basting lightly with pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Continue roasting until the squash is tender and the Parmesan is crisp and golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Place wooden spoons or chopsticks along both sides of the squash while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.Freshly grated Parmesan creates the crispiest and most flavorful crust.For extra caramelization, drizzle with 1 tablespoon maple syrup before roasting.Pecorino Romano can be substituted for a sharper, saltier flavor.Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
