Your New SIDE DISH for Thanksgiving!
Sweet & Nutty Delicata Squash layered with a Zesty Cider Reduction and Topped with Sourdough-Parmesan-Thyme Breadcrumbs that bakes up Crispy & Golden.
Yes ~ can be made a few days in advance! Pairs well with all your Thanksgiving Mains.
How to Make this Recipe:
- Prepare Cider-Honey-Butter mixture.
- Cut Delicata Squash in half lengthwise – use 2 bigger ones, or 3 medium sized.
- Place them overlapping in rows in a 9″x 13″ baking pan. Cover with the cider reduction.
- Roast until tender.
- While the squash bakes – make the Breadcrumb Topping. When squash is done, add a layer of breadcrumb topping.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Can be made a few days I advance! (Yea!)
What does it taste like? This is why you should make it:
Delicata Squash has a nutty, yet sweet flavor. The rind is thin and totally edible!
It tastes like a cross between butternut squash and a sweet potato.
The Apple Cider~Honey~Butter Reduction, a syrupy liquid, adds a ton of flavor and continues to infuse the squash.
This creates a tangy- sweet essence that really makes the dish!
The Crispy Bread Topping is made from Sourdough Bread – you’ll add melted butter, lots if fresh thyme and grated parmesan cheese.
Baked together the squash takes on the cider reduction flavor, and the crispy topping adds extra crunch and flavor.
I call this dish a “bake” – but it really could be considered a casserole!
The term “casserole” can refer to any dish prepared in a casserole dish—essentially a deep, wide baking dish—and baked in the oven. A casserole can have many layers.
Want to make it Vegan?
Substitute Butter with Coconut Oil. Omit parmesan cheese and use half Nutritional Yeast.
Get Organized! See: Thanksgiving 2022 MY FAVORITE RECIPES Main Dishes and Sides
Love squash? See Thanksgiving Squash and Celeriac Soup with Harissa
and Acorn Squash and Celeriac Soup for Fall
Enjoy fixing all Thanksgiving dishes, hopefully stress free and delicious!
Karen
Delicata Squash Bake with Cider Reduction and Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Your New Side Dish for Thanksgiving! Slices of Delicata Squash bake in an Apple Cider Reduction and covered with a Parmesan, Garlic & Thyme Topping.
Equipment
- 1 9" x 13" baking pan
Ingredients
Delicata Squash Layer:
- 2 1/2 pounds delicata squash, about 2- 3, 3" wide 8" long
- 1 1/4 cup fresh apple cider, preferably without preservatives
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Parmesan Breadcrumbs:
- 1 1/4 cup fresh sourdough bread, crusts removed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (can use part olive oil)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, peeled, finely grated (or minced)
- 1/2 cup parmesan reggiano cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 Degrees. In a small skillet, heat cider, butter and honey until the butter has melted, stir to combine.
- Wash and dry the squash. Cut squashes in half, lengthwise, scoop out and discard the seeds. Rounded side up - cut all into 1/2" slices (half moons.) Add the squash in rows - 3 wide into the pan, overlapping them a little (see photo.) Pour the cider mixture over all and sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
- Cover tightly with heavy foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and place the dish back into the oven and cook until the liquid had reduced and syrupy, and the squash is just cooked through with slightly golden edges. Remove from the oven. HINT: The syrupy liquid adds a ton of flavor and continues to infuse the squash.
- While the squash bakes make the bread crumbs. Add 1" pieces of sourdough bread to a small food processor (I do in 2 batches) and pulse until medium sized crumbs, not too fine.
- Melt butter in a 3-4 cup bowl in the microwave (can do in a pot as well), add the breadcrumbs and quickly mix to coat. Add the garlic, parmesan cheese, thyme and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Add in an even layer over the cooked squash.
- Return to the oven and cook until the bread crumbs are lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs.
Hints for Reheating:
- Bring the casserole to room temperature. Cover with heavy foil, reheat in a 350 degree oven until cooked through. Uncover foil and cook until the bread crumbs are crispy. Can be made up to 2 days before serving.
Notes
This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
Nutrition
Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1299IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @azestforlife or tag #azestforlife!
I made this side dish for a dinner party and writing because all really enjoyed it. Totally loved the apple cider flavor. Delicata is easy to cut and layer. The Parmesan breadcrumbs added a nice crunch. It did seem syrupy when out of the oven, but it did bake in! Would make again, sent recipe to all my guests. Ian
Well thank you Ian for your review! So happy to hear it was a hit at you dinner party. ( I love this one too.) 😀Karen