Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves

Ingredients for Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves

• 1 large butternut squash or 2–3 small honeynut squash (about 1.4kg total)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 Fresno chilli, thinly sliced

• 60ml pure maple syrup, preferably grade B

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 6–8 dried bay leaves

How to make Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves

Place a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 218°C. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a large spoon. Using a peeler, remove skin and white flesh below (you should reach the deep orange flesh). Rub all over with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast in a baking dish just large enough to hold halves side by side until beginning to soften (a paring knife should easily slip in only about 1/4"), 15–18 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring chilli, maple syrup, butter, and vinegar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally and removing chilli as soon as desired heat level is reached (set aside for serving), until just thick enough to coat spoon, 6–8 minutes. Reduce heat to very low and keep glaze warm.

Transfer squash to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, score rounded sides of squash halves crosswise, going as deep as possible but without cutting all the way through. Return squash to baking dish, scored sides up, and tuck bay leaves between a few of the slices; season with salt and pepper.

Roast squash, basting with glaze every 10 minutes or so and using pastry brush to lift off any glaze in dish that is browning too much, until tender and glaze forms a rich brown coating, 45–60 minutes. Serve topped with reserved chillies.

Squash can be roasted 4 hours ahead. Let cool until just warm; cover and store at room temperature. Reheat before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.