Delicious Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about a recipe that’s been a lifesaver in my house – Hasselback butternut squash with feta! I know, it sounds a little fancy, but trust me, it’s totally doable even on those crazy weeknights. This recipe is a game-changer because it’s simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for company. Plus, anything that gets my kids to eat more veggies is a win in my book, and this Hasselback butternut squash with feta? They devour it! So, if you’re looking for a new way to get some roasted squash on the table, come along, because this kitchen warrior is about to share all her secrets!

I remember the first time I attempted Hasselback butternut squash with feta. It was a chilly autumn evening, the kind where the leaves were swirling outside the window and the smell of pumpkin spice was practically mandatory. My in-laws were coming for dinner, and I wanted to impress them with something a little more creative than my usual roasted vegetables. I stumbled upon a recipe for Hasselback butternut squash with feta online, and, ever the optimist, I thought, “I can totally do this!”

Fast forward an hour, and I was battling a butternut squash that seemed determined to resist every slice. The squash was wobbling, the slices were uneven, and I was pretty sure my knife was about to stage a mutiny. It was a hot mess! But I persevered, slathered the struggling squash with olive oil and seasonings, and crossed my fingers as I slid it into the oven.

The result? Surprisingly delicious! The Hasselback butternut squash with feta was a hit, even if it looked a little…rustic. My father-in-law even complimented me on the “unique” presentation (I think he was being polite!). That night, I learned that the flavor is what truly matters, and that even kitchen disasters can lead to delicious discoveries.

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta fits perfectly into my family life because it’s versatile, flavorful, and relatively healthy. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, and the feta cheese adds a salty, tangy kick that even my picky eaters enjoy.

If you’re ready to dive in and add a little veggie sunshine to your dinner table, let’s get started, fellow kitchen warriors!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Trust me, this Hasselback butternut squash with feta ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! And the best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples.

No worries if you don’t have fresh parsley – I use dried all the time in my Hasselback butternut squash with feta. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley instead. You can grab feta at Target while doing your regular grocery run – it’s usually near the fancy cheeses.

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta doesn’t have to break the bank! Buy your butternut squash when it’s in season (usually fall and winter) for the best prices. Also, you can often find feta cheese in larger blocks at Costco or Sam’s Club for a better deal.

Here’s a Hasselback butternut squash with feta trick that saved my sanity: buy pre-cut butternut squash! Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but it’s worth it on those extra-crazy days.

Store leftover Hasselback butternut squash with feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

My family loves when I add extra feta to this Hasselback butternut squash with feta. The more, the merrier!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). First things first – get that oven nice and hot!
2. Carefully peel the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler. Trim both ends of the squash so it sits flat. This is probably the trickiest part. Take your time, and be careful with that peeler!
3. Place the squash on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, make slices about 1/4 inch (½ cm) apart, going about 3/4 of the way through the squash. Be careful not to cut all the way through! Here’s where I used to mess up my Hasselback butternut squash with feta – don’t make my mistake! The key is to use a sharp knife and go slowly. If you’re nervous, you can place chopsticks on either side of the squash to prevent you from cutting all the way through.
4. Brush the squash all over with olive oil, making sure to get in between the slices. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Get that oil and seasoning EVERYWHERE! This is what makes the Hasselback butternut squash with feta so flavorful.
5. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges are slightly caramelized. In my chaotic kitchen, this Hasselback butternut squash with feta usually takes closer to 60 minutes. It depends on the size of your squash and how hot your oven runs.
7. Remove the squash from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Don’t be shy with the feta!
8. Return the squash to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the feta is slightly melted. This just adds a little extra gooey goodness.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot. Your Hasselback butternut squash with feta should smell amazing by now! This is the perfect time to pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

While your Hasselback butternut squash with feta is doing its thing, perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Don’t panic if your Hasselback butternut squash with feta looks a little uneven or imperfect – that’s part of its charm!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Hasselback butternut squash with feta when I serve it with grilled chicken or pork chops. It’s also a great vegetarian option alongside a simple salad. This Hasselback butternut squash with feta reminds me of another family favorite, these egg muffins with spinach and feta, which are great for breakfast or a quick lunch!

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something healthy and satisfying on the table fast. I often make it on Sundays as part of my meal prep for the week.

For a fancy presentation, you can arrange the Hasselback butternut squash with feta on a platter and drizzle it with a little balsamic glaze. But honestly, my kids are just happy if it’s on their plates!

Leftover Hasselback butternut squash with feta is delicious cold in salads or reheated as a side dish. Sometimes, I even mash it up and add it to quesadillas.

In the summer, I sometimes grill the squash slices after they’ve been baked for a smoky flavor. And in the winter, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the seasonings for extra warmth. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this easy butternut squash soup!

My friend Sarah tried this Hasselback butternut squash with feta at a dinner party, and she raved about it for weeks! She even asked me for the recipe (which, of course, I shared!).

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this Hasselback butternut squash with feta? It’s worth a try! The sweetness of the squash and the saltiness of the feta can be a winning combination. Try serving it with a dip they already love, like ranch dressing.
• What if I burn my Hasselback butternut squash with feta? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If it’s just slightly charred, you can usually salvage it by cutting off the burnt bits. If it’s really bad, well, consider it a learning experience and order pizza.
• Can I make this Hasselback butternut squash with feta ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! You can prep the squash by peeling and slicing it ahead of time, and store it in the fridge. Just brush it with olive oil and season it right before baking.
• What other cheeses can I use besides feta in this Hasselback butternut squash with feta? Goat cheese is a great alternative. You could also use ricotta or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Can I add other vegetables to this Hasselback butternut squash with feta? Sure! Roasted Brussels sprouts, onions, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Is there a vegan version of this Hasselback butternut squash with feta? Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.
• How do I know when the Hasselback butternut squash with feta is cooked enough? The squash should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The edges should also be slightly caramelized.

I got this question from another mom: What about making Butternut Squash Orzo with Feta and Sage Recipe.It’s a great alternative!

Here’s another comment I got recently: I want to add Hot Honey Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta and Pepitas to my family menu. Sounds like a good plan!

Finally, someone asked me about Maple Glazed Hasselback Butternut Squash with Herbed Feta.I haven’t tried this yet myself, but I’m going to!

Final Thoughts:

This Hasselback butternut squash with feta is special to my family because it’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce. It’s also a reminder that even kitchen mishaps can lead to happy discoveries. It is a very versatile vegetarian side dish.

My Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta Mom Hacks:

• Buy pre-cut squash to save time.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings.

Family-Tested Hasselback butternut squash with feta variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasonings.
• Sweet: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey after baking.
• Savory: Top with toasted nuts or seeds.

My son loves the spicy version of Hasselback butternut squash with feta, while my daughter prefers it with a drizzle of maple syrup. My husband is happy with any version, as long as there’s plenty of feta!

I hope you and your family enjoy this Hasselback butternut squash with feta as much as we do. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I encourage all the moms to try this easy butternut squash recipe.

Remember, fellow kitchen warriors, you’ve got this! Even if your Hasselback butternut squash with feta isn’t perfect, it will still be delicious. And that’s what really matters. So, go forth and conquer that butternut squash!

 

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