On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas,Crispy BBQ Chicken Nugget Salad , Crispy barbecue Chicken Nugget Salad, Crispy BBQ Chicken Salad , BBQ Chicken Nugget Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad , barbecue chicken salad, healthy crispy barbecue chicken salad, healthier bbq chicken bowl, healthy bbq chicken salad, oven baked crispy bbq chicken nuggets, oven baked chicken nuggets, oven baked crispy bbq chicken, oven baked crispy bbq chicken salad, healthy crispy bbq chicken salad,

Crispy BBQ Chicken Nugget Salad

AfterlightImage 157

Lemon Snap Pea and Burrata Pasta

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Cinnamon Peach Cobbler Crisp, Peach Cobbler Crisp, Cinnamon Peach Cobbler, Cinnamon Peach Crisp, peach crisp cobbler hybrid, crisp cobbler hybrid, crisp cobbler, half crisp half cobbler, peach half crisp half cobbler, stovetop peach cobbler, stovetop peach crisp, easy Peach Cobbler Crisp, Cinnamon Peach Oat Cobbler, Cinnamon sugar Peach Cobbler Crisp,

Cinnamon Peach Cobbler Crisp

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggies Gnocchi, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Chicken, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggies, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Gnocchi, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Chicken Gnocchi. Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Veggies and Gnocci, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed vegetables and Gnocchi, Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies Gnocchi, Sheet Pan cauliflower Gnocchi, Sheet Pan crispy Gnocchi and vegetables, Sheet Pan Honey Glazed crispy Gnocchi, Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggies Gnocchi, gluten free gnocchi, healthy gnocchi recipes, recipes to use with cauliflower gnocchi,

Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggies Gnocchi

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Healthier Tofu Tikka Masala, Healthy Tofu Tikka Masala, crumbled Tofu Tikka Masala, Tofu Tikka Masala, lighter Tofu Tikka Masala, Healthier vegetarian butter chicken, vegetarian butter chicken, vegan butter chicken, vegan tikka masala, vegan Indian curry, vegetarian Indian curry, healthy vegetarian Indian curry, healthy vegan Indian curry, tikka masala with roasted mushrooms, healthy tikka masala with roasted mushrooms,

Healthier Tofu Tikka Masala

Chipotle Chicken Skewers with Elote Slaw

Chipotle Chicken Skewers with Elote Slaw

AfterlightImage 110

Golden Crispy Rice Salmon Bake

Avocado Tzatziki Zucchini and Chicken Pitas, Avocado Tzatziki Chicken Pitas, Tzatziki Zucchini and Chicken Pitas, Avocado Zucchini and Chicken Pitas, Zucchini and Chicken Pitas, greek Chicken Pitas, Avocado Greek Chicken Pitas, healthy avocado pita pockets, greek chicken pita pockets, Avocado Tzatziki, Avocado Tzatziki Pita Pockets, Avocado Tzatziki Chicken Salad, Avocado Tzatziki Chicken, Creamy Avocado Chicken Pita Pockets, Avocado Tzatziki Zucchini and Chicken Sandwich, healthy summer sandwich, healthy summer picnic sandwich, easy healthy homemade picnic ideas, onanniesmenu, On Annie’s Menu, On Annies menu,

Avocado Tzatziki Zucchini and Chicken Pitas

Sesame Crusted Fish with Olive Bruschetta, Sesame Crusted Fish, Fish with Olive Bruschetta, bruschetta topped fish, healthy greek fish recipe, olive topped fish, crispy fish with olives, olive fish topping, olive white fish recipe, sesame panko crusted fish, panko crusted white fish, panko crusted greek white fish, healthy fish recipes, healthy greek fish recipes, healthy sesame fish recipes, on annies menu, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu,

Sesame Crusted Fish with Olive Bruschetta

Burst Tomato Chicken Parmesan Melts, Chicken Parmesan Melts, Burst Tomato Chicken Parmesan, chicken parm toast, chicken parm melts, chicken parm sandwich, healthy chicken parm sandwich, healthy chicken parm toast, open faced chicken parmesan sandwich, chicken parm toast, open faced chicken parm sandwich, healthy chicken parm, unique chicken parm, italian fusion recipes, burst tomato toast, burst tomato chicken parm, tomato confit chicken parm, tomato confit chicken parmesan, tomato confit chicken parm toast, tomato confit chicken parm melts, chicken parm melt, chicken parm toastie,

Burst Tomato Chicken Parmesan Melts

Healthier Stroganoff Quesadillas with Yogurt Chive Dip, beef stroganoff quesadillas, healthier beef stroganoff, Healthier beef Stroganoff Quesadillas, Healthier Quesadillas with Yogurt Chive Dip,Healthy mushroom Quesadillas, mushroom quesadillas with yogurt dip, mushroom ground chicken quesadillas, chicken stroganoff, turkey stroganoff, healthier stroganoff, Healthier beef Stroganoff Quesadillas with Yogurt Chive Dip, Healthier chicken Quesadillas with Yogurt Chive Dip, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu, on annies menu,

Healthier Stroganoff Quesadillas with Yogurt Chive Dip

Smoky Tofu BLT Bowls, Smoky Tofu Bacon, tofu bacon BLT, tofu bacon, oven roasted tofu bacon, tofu “bacon”, healthy tofu bacon, tofu blt, vegetarian blt, blt bowls, healthy blt bowl, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu, on annies menu, healthy blt, blt in a bowl, summer quinoa bowl recipes, blt quinoa bowl, tofu quinoa bowl, tofu avocado quinoa bowl, blt avocado bowls, avocado tofu blt,

Smoky Tofu BLT Bowls

Cacio e Pepe Marinated Artichoke Salad, Cacio e Pepe Artichoke Salad, Marinated Artichoke Salad, Italian Artichoke Salad, Arugula Artichoke Salad, Cacio e Pepe Salad, Italian dinner party menu, italian style dinner party menu, boujee dinner party menu, fancy italian dinner menu, italian summer dinner party menu, cacio e pepe salad, cacio e pepe arugula salad, parmesan arugula artichoke salad, parmesan arugula salad, parmesan romaine salad, parmesan hazelnut salad, parmesan pine nut salad, summer italian salad, italian side salad, avocado parmesan summer salad, healthy summer salad, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu on annies menu,

Cacio e Pepe Marinated Artichoke Salad

Honey Sriracha Sesame Salmon Bowls, Asian Sesame Salmon Bowls, Honey Sriracha Sesame Salmon, Honey Sriracha Salmon, Sriracha Salmon Bowls, avocado cucumber salmon bowls, healthy asian salmon bowls, emily mariko salmon bowls, easy healthy salmon recipes, healthy asian salmon recipes, Honey glazed asian Salmon Bowls, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu, on annies menu, Sriracha Mayo Salmon, asian salmon rice bowl,

Honey Sriracha Sesame Salmon Bowls

Broccoli Salad Chicken Pitas, Healthy Broccoli Salad Chicken Pitas, Healthy Broccoli Salad with Chicken, chicken broccoli salad, healthy chicken broccoli salad, healthy broccoli salad wrap, broccoli salad wrap, chicken broccoli salad wrap, vegan broccoli salad, healthy easy broccoli salad, summer salad pitas, summer pita ideas, healthy picnic ideas, healthy beach picnic ideas, healthy picnic sandwich ideas, meal prep pita ideas, meal prep chicken ideas, easy healthy picnic ideas, healthy beach picnic wrap, healthy picnic wrap, healthy picnic chicken sandwich, on annies menu, on annie’s menu, onanniesmenu,

Broccoli Salad Chicken Pitas

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Cowboy Caviar Fish Tacos, Cowboy Caviar Fish, Cowboy Caviar Bria, healthy Cowboy Caviar, corn and bean Fish Tacos, taco seasoned Fish Tacos, texas Caviar Fish Tacos, Cowboy Caviar Tacos, Cowboy Caviar spiced Fish, healthy fish tacos, avocado corn and bean fish tacos, fish taco bar, corn salad fish tacos,

Cowboy Caviar Fish Tacos

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Pistachio Mint and Beet Chopped Salad, Pistachio Mint Beet Salad, Mint Beet Salad, Beet Chopped Salad, Jicama Beet Chopped Salad, Jicama chopped salad, Avocado and Beet Chopped Salad, Avocado Jicama and Beet Salad, Cucumber feta Beet Salad, beet feta cucumber jicama mint pistachio chopped salad,

Pistachio, Mint, and Beet Chopped Salad

On Annie’s Menu, onanniesmenu, On Annies Menu, Healthy dinner recipes, healthy snacks, healthy recipes, healthy breakfast, healthy eating, healthy meal prep, meal prep, healthy lunch ideas, healthy meals, realistic healthy recipes, easy vegetarian recipes, easy healthy family recipes, easy food blog, asian healthy family recipes, quick and healthy meals for families, healthy dinner party recipes, dinner party menu ideas, Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Potatoes, Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Potato wedges, Greek Meatballs and crispy Potatoes, greek meatball plates, greek chicken meatballs, greek chicken meatballs and tzatziki, greek turkey meatballs, Sheet Pan Greek Potatoes, Greek Potatoes wedges, Baked Greek Meatballs and Potatoes, Baked Greek Meatball bowls, greek meatball bowls,

Sheet Pan Greek Meatball and Potatoes

share

 French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash

February 15, 2022
by
Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.
Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.

Jump to Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for a good veggie side dish. The type that’s a bit more fun than your classic roasted vegetable, and could even maybe stand on its own. On a weekly basis, I’m totally into making bowls, pasta, tacos, salads, etc… still, sometimes I just crave a simple protein — maybe a grilled steak or chicken, ya know? Well, if you’re the same way, you’re always looking for a fun hearty side dish to pair with these simple proteins. And, let me tell you, this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the perfect solution. Classy, impressive, yet so easy and delicious — everybody loves this one!

the breakdown…

The best part about these French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is that they are SUPER easy. I mean, they are a bit more jazzed up than your typical roasted squash, but this recipe takes just about every shortcut possible to throw together the easiest delicious side. First off, I go with frozen butternut squash cubes. Chopping up a whole butternut squash is A PAIN!! And, in all honesty, I’ve found the frozen variety to be available at just about every grocery store. After a quick microwave to get the squash de-thawed, smashing up your cubes will be so easy. Oh, and don’t forget to dry off any excess water post microwaving, as the liquids will lead to a soggy squash. Crisp is key!

Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.

With that squash all thawed up, go ahead and give each piece a good smash. You could do this all at once with another smaller sheet pan, or you could use the back or a fork or the bottom of a jar. Really, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure you get those cubes all nice and smashed! Then I use a good bit of olive oil, as this gets a nice crisp on the squash. More oil = more crisp, so don’t shy away. Then, with the addition of some French Onion Soup Seasoning, the flavors are truly taken over the top. While you could make your own French onion seasoning mixture, I usually opt to just buy it pre packaged. It’s just a much easier way to use a lot of seasoning… 3 tbsp is no joke, but it’s so freaking delicious!

all the flavor…

With all that good french onion flavor, you have to throw in a bit of extra salt and pepper (obviously), and then a few red pepper flakes. While you can add these to your liking, I don’t recommend leaving them out entirely. You see, you’re also going to be adding some honey or maple syrup to the squash. This brings in some good sweet flavor, but is really thrown into the mix to make your French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash super caramelized!! The sugars in the honey or maple syrup get super crystalized in the heat and get super crispy and golden. It’s absolutely amazing with the french onion flavors. 

Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.

While that smashed squash is getting all crisped in the oven, it’s time to get working on the onion topping. Now, these are not your average caramelized onions. Rather, these are super thinly sliced onions that get super crisp in a super hot skillet, then are cooked low and slow in some red wine. French onion soup is usually prepared with beef broth and red wine. I don’t think it’s really fully necessary to throw beef broth into this recipe, simply because of the sheer amount of broth you would need to bring in that flavor. But, you could probably throw in a beef bouillon cube, if you would like. On the other hand, red wine is really vital here. With just a bit of a nice dry red, you can truly get so much concentrated flavor pulled out into those onions — absolutely perfect for a deep caramelization. 

that French onion topping…

For this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash recipe, I opt to cook those onions for 12-15 minutes. Really, a good caramelized onion can be cooked for over an hour… but, let’s face it, nobody has time for that. Plus, in cooking your onions for just about the same amount of time as your squash, everything comes together so seamlessly. So, get those onions nice and browned then layer them on top of your squash. Finish everything with some parmesan and gruyere (aka a nice bite and some creaminess, respectively), and just let everything go for a few more minutes in the oven. Once your cheese is all crispy and golden, voila! Your French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is done.

Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.

how to serve them up…

I like to hit this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash with some finely diced chives, or even some fresh parsley. Really, you just want a bit of freshness thrown in there in the end. As noted earlier, this is the perfect recipe to accompany a simple seared steak, chicken, or seafood. I mean, I definitely would not be mad about a surf and turf situation. That being said, it would also be delicious with something a bit more jazzed up. Maybe with my Citrus Fennel Baked Fish en Papillote, Apple Chutney Pretzel Crusted Chicken, or Crispy Fish Over Arugula Pesto White Beans? All would be delicious options. Alternatively, you could definitely just eat these as they are. I love them for a tasty reheated lunch! Really, you can’t go wrong with this one!

I hope you love this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments below:)) 

 French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash
Pin
Print

 French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash

Recipe by Annie PatrickCourse: Side DishCuisine: American, French, FusionDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Total time

50

minutes

Golden, smashed, and perfectly glazed butternut squash cubes layered with red wine caramelized sweet onions and all the cheese: this French Onion Smashed Butternut Squash is the most perfect winter side.

Ingredients

  • 30 oz frozen butternut squash cubes

  • 2 + 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp French onion soup mix (powder)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

  • 2 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup

  • 1 small sweet onion, very thinly sliced

  • ½ cup red wine

  • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

  • ⅓ cup gruyere cheese, finely grated

  • Fresh parsley or chives, to serve

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a microwave safe dish, microwave the butternut squash for 5-6 minutes, or until completely thawed. Pat dry with a paper towel or cloth.
  • Spread the butternut squash out on the baking sheet and, using a fork or jar, smashed the cubes until almost completely flat (as pictured). Gently toss the smashed squash with 2 tbsp olive oil, the French onion seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and the honey/maple syrup. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven, and roast for about 20 minutes, or until crisp.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes to begin the browning process. Slowly pour in the red wine, and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and the wine has cooked down. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the squash from the oven. Evenly spread a layer of the onions over the squash, then sprinkle both cheeses on everything. Return the baking sheet to the oven, and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 5-7 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and crisp.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and more cheese, as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

share
Tags:
On Annie's Menu
Close Cookmode