Hasselback Butternut Squash with Chile & Garlic

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Here, we give butternut squash a quick spin in the microwave to get it tender before roasting it. It shortens the cook time, but you still get the nice browning you can only achieve by oven roasting.

By
Adam Dolge
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Adam Dolge

Adam Dolge is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer and recipe developer. He is the author and food photographer for the blog The Real Recipes, where he shares recipes inspired by his experience working for food magazines and professional test kitchens.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

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Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
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Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Chile & Garlic
Photo: Greg DuPree
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, halved lengthwise and seeded

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, minced

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Place squash in a large microwave-safe bowl and add water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on High until just tender, 8 to 9 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, mash garlic and salt together with a fork or a chef's knife on a cutting board, then transfer to a small bowl. Stir in oil, jalapeño and ground pepper.

  4. Lay one squash half, cut-side down, between 2 wooden spoons and make cuts 1/4 inch apart, cutting down just to the spoons so the squash remains intact. Carefully transfer to the prepared pan. Repeat with the other half. Brush the oil mixture over the squash, pressing it between each cut.

  5. Roast until the squash is lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.

Equipment:

Parchment paper

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

144 Calories
9g Fat
15g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 144
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 1g 2%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 102mg 4%
Potassium 458mg 10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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