Hasselback Butternut Squash

Hasselback Butternut Squash

A Swedish technique meets fall's favorite squash for a dish that's both stunning and stumble-proof.

Prep: 20 mins (includes careful slicing meditation) Cook: 1 hour Serves: 6 (or 4 squash enthusiasts)

Fun Fact: The Hasselback technique was invented at a Stockholm restaurant called Hasselbacken in the 1950s. It's basically the squash equivalent of a fancy accordion.

Hasselback slicing technique
Brushing with butter mixture
Basting during cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 medium butternut squash (the more symmetrical, the better for your OCD)
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted (because everything's better with butter)
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard (the fancy kind with visible seeds)
  • 2 tbsp honey (local if you're showing off)
  • Fresh sage leaves (they're like autumn's confetti)
  • Salt and pepper (you know the drill)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (the good stuff)
  • 2 shallots, minced (fancy onions)

Instructions

1

Peel squash and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds while contemplating life's mysteries.

2

Make thin slices across squash, but not all the way through. Think playing card width apart.

3

Mix butter, mustard, and honey. Try not to eat it all with a spoon.

4

Brush mixture all over squash, getting between the slices like you're applying sunscreen to a squirmy toddler.

5

Bake at 425°F for about an hour, basting occasionally with the butter mixture because we're not savages.

Final Hasselback Butternut Squash

Serve With

  • 🍯 Additional honey drizzle (for the sweet tooths)
  • 🌿 Crispy sage leaves (because garnish)
  • A sense of accomplishment
  • 😎 Your best "Yes, I meant to cut it like that" smile

Storage Tips

  • ❄️ Keeps 3-4 days in fridge
  • 🔥 Reheats well in oven (not microwave, we're not animals)
  • ✂️ Can be prep-sliced day before

Pro Tips

  • Use wooden spoons as cutting guides
  • Keep the slices connected at the bottom
  • More basting = more glory
  • If you mess up the slicing, just call it "rustic"

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Can be sliced and prepped 24 hours ahead
  • 🧈 Butter mixture can be made 3 days ahead
  • Final basting should be fresh