– 1 large butternut squash
– ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Creating your own Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta is straightforward when you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Squash: Carefully slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
3. Hasselback the Squash: Place the squash cut side down on a cutting board. Make evenly spaced slices crosswise, about ¼ inch apart, but do not slice all the way through. Aim for just halfway down to keep it intact.
4. Season: Flip the squash over so the cut side is facing up. Drizzle olive oil over both halves. Coat the sliced areas generously, allowing the oil to seep in. Sprinkle minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper all over.
5. Roast: Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until fork-tender.
6. Add Feta: Remove the squash from the oven. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese into the slices. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted and golden.
7. Finish: If using, add red pepper flakes and drizzle with lemon zest for added flavor. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
These steps will guide you in preparing an incredible dish that not only looks stunning but also delivers on flavor!