Winter Squash Bake π²
Description: This hearty casserole is a beloved comfort food in my family, perfect for warming up chilly winter evenings or as a festive addition to your holiday table. Don’t discard the seeds β they’re a crunchy delight when roasted, even better than pumpkin seeds! For a zesty twist, try RitaL’s recipe #50958 for Spicy Roasted Squash Seeds.
- Recipe Category: Onions π§
- Keywords: Vegetable, Low Protein, Winter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, < 60 Mins, Oven π₯¦π
- Aggregated Rating: βββββ¨
- Review Count: 7 π
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 160.6
- Fat Content: 8.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 22.6mg
- Sodium Content: 346.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.4g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 5g
- Protein Content: 2.4g
Servings:
- Recipe Servings: 8 π½οΈ
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes β²οΈ
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes β²οΈ
- Total Time: 1 hour β°
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Salt | 1/3 teaspoon, or to taste |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Squash:
- Cut the winter squash into manageable pieces and peel off the skin. Don’t forget to remove the seeds; they’ll be used later. π
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Cook the Squash:
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the squash pieces for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the squash well.
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Evaporate Excess Water:
- Return the drained squash to the pot and place it back on the heat. Gently shake the pot to help any remaining water evaporate. This step ensures a creamy texture for your bake.
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Mash and Season:
- Once the excess water has evaporated, mash the cooked squash using a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add in the butter, margarine, sour cream, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
- Transfer the seasoned squash mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the squash uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top begins to turn golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the squash bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cozy dish pairs well with roasted meats, hearty soups, or as a standalone vegetarian option. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this winter squash bake! ππ½οΈ
Additional Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme, sage, or nutmeg, for extra flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use canned or frozen winter squash instead of fresh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Don’t forget to save those squash seeds! Rinse them well, toss them with a bit of oil and seasoning, then roast them in the oven for a crunchy and nutritious snack.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Now, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of this delicious winter squash bake! π²β¨
