Skillet Squash Blossom Recipe

Iain Bagwell
Active Time:
10 Mins
Total Time:
50 Mins
Yield:
Serves 8 (serving size: 1/2 cup)
Lisa Cericola

Opinions vary as to which is the best part of this eye-catching Thanksgiving side dish. Is it the tasty, caramelized edges, or the intriguing visual appearance that makes this side dish pretty enough to be a Thanksgiving centerpiece? Or is the best part simply a practical one – the fact that this recipe can be on the table in under an hour? Quick, pretty, and delicious, this easy Butternut squash recipe uses a short ingredient list (you probably already have everything you need) to accent the natural sweetness of roasted Butternut squash, a favorite winter squash. There are several varieties of winter squash available in the South, including Spaghetti, Acorn, Butternut, and Kabocha, which is a good thing since few vegetables can match winter squash for nutrition, especially when it comes to vitamin A content. The Skillet Squash Blossom is fresh and flavorful; you won’t miss the heavy cheese sauces that usually accompany the summer squash casseroles. Save those calories for an after-dinner treat, and choose from our selection of more than splurge-worthy Thanksgiving desserts, from silky cheesecakes, syrupy pecan pies, traditional pound cakes and reputation-making mile-high layer cakes.

Ingredients

  • 1 (1 1/2-lb.) butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • 3 center-cut bacon slices
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup, divided

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place squash, cut side down, in an 8-inch square baking dish; fill with 1 inch of water. Cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on HIGH 5 minutes. Thinly slice squash, and place in a large bowl.

Step 2

Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium. Cook bacon 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook until golden brown. Remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, and set aside. Reduce heat to medium; add onion to skillet, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in oil, thyme, salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of the maple syrup. Add mixture to squash slices; toss to combine.

Step 3

Starting at the outer edge of the same skillet, arrange squash slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles to form a flower shape. Bake in preheated oven until squash is tender and edges begin to crisp, about 40 minutes. Drizzle with remaining 2 teaspoons maple syrup. Top with bacon.

Also appeared in: , November, 2016

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