Delicious Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta: Perfect Recipe!

Alright, flavor adventurers! Get ready, because I’m about to drop a bomb of deliciousness on you. We’re talking Hasselback butternut squash with feta – the dish that proves vegetables can be the rockstars of your dinner table. Trust me, this ain’t your grandma’s squash recipe; we’re taking things to a whole new level of flavor.

I’ve been obsessed with perfecting this Hasselback butternut squash with feta recipe for weeks. Seriously, my kitchen has been a butternut squash explosion zone!

It all started with a simple roasted butternut squash. Then, BOOM – feta entered the picture. The tanginess against the sweetness was incredible, but something was missing. I wanted TEXTURE and PIZZAZZ! Enter the Hasselback technique.

The first time I tried it, the squash was undercooked. Disaster! But I knew I was onto something. After a few tweaks, BAM! Perfectly tender, beautifully fanned squash, salty feta, and a drizzle of honey… pure magic. This Hasselback butternut squash with feta recipe is now officially my go-to dish when I want to impress! And I CANNOT wait to share it with you!

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-2.5 pounds): This is the star of the show, so pick one that feels heavy for its size.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Opt for extra virgin for the best flavor. The quality of the olive oil truly shines in this roasted butternut squash recipe.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smoky depth that takes the squash to another dimension. Don’t skip this one!
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic, am I right?
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously! Taste as you go to get it just right.
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Get the good stuff! The briney, creamy feta is essential for that flavor explosion.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Drizzle this liquid gold over the top for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. The secret to truly unforgettable Hasselback butternut squash with feta is to use a good quality, raw honey!
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs always brighten things up. Plus, it makes the presentation pop!

The secret to epic Hasselback butternut squash with feta is using smoked paprika instead of regular. It adds a complexity that will blow your mind! You’ll find the best feta for this Hasselback butternut squash with feta at your local cheese shop or even the fancy cheese section of your grocery store. Splurge on the feta – trust me on this one! The difference in taste between a block of good feta and the pre-crumbled stuff is MASSIVE!

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients when combined with the right technique.

1. Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get this show on the road! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). We’re going for golden-brown perfection.
2. Now, the slightly tricky part: prepping the squash. Carefully cut off both ends of the butternut squash to create a stable base. Stand the squash upright and peel it using a vegetable peeler. This is crucial! A smooth squash ensures even cooking.
3. Time to Hasselback! Place the squash horizontally on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make slices about 1/4 inch apart, cutting about ¾ of the way through the squash. Don’t go all the way through! The goal is to create a fan effect. Pro tip for Hasselback butternut squash with feta perfection: Place chopsticks or wooden skewers on either side of the squash to prevent cutting all the way through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor bomb!
5. Use a brush to generously coat the Hasselback butternut squash with feta mixture, making sure to get in between all the slices. This ensures every single bite is packed with flavor.
6. Place the prepared Hasselback squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
7. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges are slightly caramelized. In my kitchen, this fall butternut squash takes exactly 50 minutes. Your Hasselback butternut squash with feta should look golden brown and smell absolutely amazing.
8. Remove the squash from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the crumbled feta cheese. Don’t be shy! We want that salty, creamy goodness in every nook and cranny.
9. Drizzle the honey over the top. This is where your Hasselback butternut squash with feta transforms into pure magic.
10. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
11. Let the Hasselback butternut squash with feta rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
12. Dig in and prepare to be amazed!

Here’s where most people mess up their fall butternut squash – but not you! Make sure your knife is SHARP. A dull knife will make the Hasselback cuts a nightmare. While your roasted butternut squash is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! The visual appeal of the Hasselback cut combined with the vibrant colors makes for a stunning photo.

Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! To serve this Hasselback butternut squash with feta, place it on a beautiful platter and garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of honey. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this vegetarian butternut squash at dinner parties!

Pair this Hasselback butternut squash with feta with a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete meal. The sweetness of the squash complements savory dishes perfectly. This vegetarian butternut squash absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the Hasselback butternut squash with feta on a bed of arugula and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Got leftovers? Don’t toss them! Chop up the roasted butternut squash and add it to a salad or use it as a filling for tacos. For a seasonal variation, try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans and dried cranberries to your Hasselback butternut squash with feta during the fall.

• Can I make this Hasselback butternut squash with feta spicier?

  Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture or drizzle with hot honey. Check out this Hot Honey Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta and Pepitas for inspo.
• What if I don’t have smoked paprika for my Hasselback butternut squash with feta?

  Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but the smoked paprika really adds a depth of flavor. If you have chipotle powder, a tiny pinch of that would also be a good substitute.

• How do I know when my Hasselback butternut squash is perfectly done?

  The squash should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. The edges should also be slightly caramelized.

• Can I use a different cheese for my Hasselback butternut squash with feta?

  While feta is the star here, you could experiment with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy flavor.

• What’s the best way to store leftover Hasselback butternut squash with feta?

  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

  You can peel and slice the squash ahead of time, but I recommend roasting it just before serving for the best texture.

• Is this Hasselback butternut squash with feta recipe vegetarian?

  Yes! This is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish.

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta recipe has gotten incredible feedback from my friends and family. Everyone raves about the combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and recipes that turn ordinary meals into celebrations. It’s a flavor adventure that will leave you wanting more!

My Hasselback butternut squash with feta Power Tips:

1. Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this dish.
2. Use a sharp knife! It makes all the difference when creating those Hasselback slices.
3. Generously coat the squash with the olive oil mixture! Every bite should be bursting with flavor.

Some other Hasselback butternut squash variations I’ve created and loved include a Maple Glazed Hasselback Butternut Squash with Herbed Feta, and a hasselback butternut squash with feta. But this version, the one with the smoked paprika and honey, gets the biggest reactions every single time.

I am confident that you are going to create this Hasselback butternut squash with feta and absolutely NAIL IT. Make this Hasselback butternut squash with feta your signature dish! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Share your results and tag me in your creations. Let’s create some flavor memories together! Check out my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta or my Butternut Squash Soup for more flavor adventures! You won’t regret it.