This butternut squash has a lovely zing to it. The orange and lemon really pop, while the honey tones it down with a lovely, deep sweetness. I love adding chopped walnuts on top then popping it back in the oven to toast. Such a lovely crunch! This is a great side dish, but also makes a great entree.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp butter
- half an orange
- half a lemon
- 3 Tbsp chopped walnuts
![ingredients](https://img.thrfun.com/img/219/853/honey_citrus_butternut_squash_m8.jpg)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Peel the squash.
![peeling squash](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Slice squash in half lengthwise.
![Butternut Squash cut in half](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Scoop out the seeds and strings.
![scouping seeds from Butternut Squash](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Brush all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Place on a baking pan, cut side down, and bake for 20 minutes.
![brushing Butternut Squash with butter salt & pepper](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Juice your citrus halves and set aside.
![juicing lemon with tool](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Remove squash from oven and finely score slices across the tops. Do not cut through all the way. Return to oven for 20 minutes. This will help open up the squash to really get infused by the honey citrus sauce we are about to make!
![scouring Butternut Squash](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together honey and butter.
![Honey Citrus sauce in pan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Shut off heat and immediately whisk in juice from the orange and lemon halves.
![Honey Citrus sauce in pan](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Drizzle some of the honey citrus butter on top of the squash halves and baste into the slits. Pop in oven for 10 minutes.
![brushing Honey Citrus sauce](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Remove from oven and drizzle on some more. Return to oven for 10 more minutes.
![brushing Honey Citrus](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Brush one more time. Add chopped walnuts to the tops of the squash, then return to oven 10 more minutes, until golden in colour.
![walnuts added to Butternut Squash](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
- Serve immediately, drizzling with any leftover honey citrus butter.
![walnuts added to Butternut Squash](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)