Creamy Baked Butternut Squash with Cheese
Decadent Butternut Squash Bake with Cream Sauce and Cheese
Experience a unique and delightful dish: baked butternut squash infused with a rich cream sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe that’s perfect for a special meal or a comforting treat.
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 butternut squash
- 1/3 head broccoli
- 70g mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the butternut squash thoroughly, remove the seeds, and cut it into four wedges. If you find cutting squash difficult, microwaving it for about 2 minutes before slicing will make it much easier. Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into bite-sized florets.
Step 2
Have your milk, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese ready for the sauce and topping.
Step 3
Slice the prepared butternut squash into thin rounds, about 0.3cm thick. Slicing them thinly ensures they cook through evenly.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 1 minute until they turn bright green. Immediately drain and rinse them under cold water to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color.
Step 5
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the butternut squash slices in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly golden and slightly tender. Avoid overcooking at this stage.
Step 6
In the same skillet (or a clean one), combine 150ml milk, 150ml heavy cream, and 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Stir continuously over medium-low heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. This creates a luscious base for your squash.
Step 7
Once the cream sauce has thickened, add the blanched broccoli florets and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with a pinch of black pepper to enhance the taste.
Step 8
Arrange the pan-fried butternut squash slices in an oven-safe dish. Spoon the creamy broccoli sauce generously over the squash. Top evenly with 70g of mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden. If you don’t have an oven, you can achieve a similar melted cheese effect by microwaving the dish until the cheese is fully melted.
