Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 to 2½ pounds butternut squash, quartered
- 1 large head of garlic, top 1/3 cut off
Oils and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- Kosher salt (to taste, divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Additional freshly ground black pepper for seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash and garlic.
- Prepare Squash: Quarter the butternut squash and place the pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with some olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt to season.
- Prepare Garlic: Cut off the top third of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place it on a piece of foil, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and optionally some black pepper. Fold the foil edges tightly around the garlic to create a sealed pouch.
- Roast Garlic and Squash: Place the garlic pouch on the baking sheet with the squash. Roast together for 55 minutes, then remove the garlic pouch and let it cool. Continue roasting the squash alone for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until very tender. Allow squash to cool until it can safely be handled.
- Blend Ingredients: Scoop the flesh of the roasted squash into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Add the unsalted butter and squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whip the Mixture: Secure the lid and process the squash mixture until very smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for seasoning.
Notes
- Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
- Use a food processor or high-speed blender for the smoothest texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter or olive oil.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian