Twice Baked Butternut Squash: Nutty butternut squash has been baked until tender and then mixed with Parmesan cheese, butter and re-baked to enhance the butternut squash flavor.
There is something about baked butternut squash.
I have always looked forward to when butternut squash is back in season. As a child, and even now as an adult, I love baked butternut squash. Plain or just with a bit of butter and salt, I adore it.
But when Butternut Squash is combined with Parmesan cheese and stuffed back into the squash’s shell and baked twice, humble baked squash turns into something spectacular.
Parmesan Baked Butternut Squash
Just like a twice-baked potato, butternut squash has been baked up and then the flesh is mashed and combined with seasonings, butter, and cheese and then placed back into the squash shell and re-baked.
Who would have thought that something so simple could taste so good. But simple is often best–especially when butternut squash is mild, yet nutty–which the butter and Parmesan work to enhance.
How to Make Twice Baked Butternut Squash
Slice Butternut Squash
- Slice off the bottom of the butternut squash.
- Slice the squash in half, lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scoop out all the seeds and discard (or save to roast.)
- If you have a hard time slicing your butternut squash, microwave whole squash for 5 minutes on high before slicing.
Bake Butternut Squash
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place squash, cut sides down, in a large rimmed baking dish.
- Pour water into dish around squash halves, until half way up the sides of the squash.
- Bake until tender.
Make Butternut Squash Mash
- Scoop out flesh of the squash, being careful to leave shell of squash intact.
- Mix flesh with butter, Parmesan and salt and pepper.
Twice Baked Butternut Squash
- Scoop mixture back into one half of the squash.
- Sprinkle with more cheese and return to oven.
- Bake until cheese is browned and golden.
How to Make Parmesan Baked Squash in Advance
If you are looking to make this dish in advance, which is a great idea for a holiday meal or entertaining, follow these steps.
- Bake the butternut squash as directed.
- Once the squash has cooled, remove flesh and make Parmesan Mash.
- Re-stuff Butternut Squash Half and place in large baking dish.
- Cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- On day of serving, remove squash from fridge while oven is preheating to come to room temperature.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until warmed through.
More Butternut Squash Recipes
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Butternut Squash Taco Bowl
Baked Butternut Squash Recipe
Twice Baked Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut bottom of squash and cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove seeds.
- Place squash, cut sides down, in a large rimmed baking dish. Pour water into dish around squash halves, until half way up the sides of the squash
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until flesh is fork tender.
- Remove squash from oven and turn oven up to 375 degrees. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Scoop out flesh of the squash, being careful to leave shell of squash intact, and mix with butter, salt, pepper and cheese.
- Scoop mixture back into one half of the squash. Sprinkle with more cheese and return to oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and melted.
- Serve.
Kristen Chidsey
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This is delicious. I’ll make it again. Can’t stop going back for just one more bite. Thanks for sharing.
I am SO glad you enjoy this as much as we do 🙂
About how long will the squash need to bake before being tender? I’ve been hunting for ways to use a big bundle of butternut squash from my in-laws. Excited to try this today!
It should take about 45 minutes.
Thank you! This turned out AMAZING! 🤤
I am SO happy to hear you enjoyed Paige!
The carnivore in me needed meat, so I diced some andouille sausage (about 1 sausage per serving) and it was great. Turned it from a side dish to a whole meal.
That sounds like a wonderful addition.
How much water do you put in pan?
Hi Jim! Pour water into dish around squash halves, until half way up the sides of the squash.
I have never before made baked butternut squash, but have since tried your recipe and my family loved it ! Will definitely make the squash this way again 🙂
I am so glad you gave this a try Linda and that your family enjoyed so much!
Beautifully twice baked squash! Love the addition of parmesan, makes for a great flavor!!!
Thanks Tisha, I agree the Parmesan adds a great amount of flavor to the squash.
Oh god yes! This sounds so tasty, and I love the idea of baking it twice. I’m going to find an excuse for making this even though we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here..
You don’t need a reason to make this squash–it is good anytime for any reason! Enjoy!
Kristen this look great! I’ll have to make it when my family comes in!
Oh I hope you do Wendie 🙂
What a yummy squash preparation! Perfect Thanksgiving side dish!! I need to shake up my menu 🙂
I sure think it is a great side dish Liz 🙂
Drooling alllll over my keyboard just looking at this amazing butternut squash recipe!! I can’t wait to make this!
I hope you savour every bite 🙂
Love the parmesan in this! I need to add this as a side to our Thanksgiving menu!
I hope you do Jessica!
Well hello beautiful squash!!! I’ll be making this soon!
Thanks Aimee–you won’t regret it!
What a great dish Kristen, and Happy Blogsgiving!!!! I love butternut squash and this is a great new twist with parm and twice baking. I could eat this is a meal!
With a salad, this would be a perfect vegetarian meal!
Kristen, I couldn’t agree more, sometimes “simple is often best” and this simple yet GORGEOUS baked Parmesan butternut squash sounds wonderful!
Thank you Shashi–this is one simple dish that does taste outstanding.