Roasted Butternut Squash

My friend Megan made this for our 26 June 2023 Cookbook Club in Brunswick Forest. It was excellent, especially the roasted garlic. This recipe is from the Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics cookbook. Lots of great recipes!

Servings: Serves 6

 
Ingredients
 
1 large butternut squash
1 head garlic separated but not peeled
2 Tbsp. good olive oil
2-1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces thinly sliced pancetta chopped
16 whole fresh sage leaves
French bread for serving
 
Directions
 
Preheat oven to 400°. Peel and seed butternut squash and then cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes. Place squash and whole unpeeled garlic cloves in a baking dish or sheet pan large enough to hold them all in one layer. Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until squash begins to brown, turning once during baking.

Sprinkle pancetta and sage leaves evenly over squash and continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until squash and garlic are tender and caramelized. Season to taste and serve hot with French bread for guests to spread with the roasted garlic.