Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl with Lemon Tahini Sauce Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting dishes that burst with flavor and texture, this Hasselback Butternut Squash with Sage Butter, Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts will become your new favorite. The natural sweetness of the roasted butternut squash perfectly contrasts with the creamy, tangy feta and the rich crunch of toasted hazelnuts, while fragrant sage butter ties everything together into a symphony of autumnal goodness. This dish is as beautiful to look at as it is delightful to eat, making it a star side or even a centerpiece on any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe right is all about selecting simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish—whether it’s depth of flavor, texture contrast, or vibrant color. You’ll find that every item plays a crucial role in building the perfect bite.

• Butternut squash: The star ingredient whose natural sweetness and creamy texture become heavenly once roasted.
• Unsalted butter: Used melted and infused with fresh sage to give a rich, aromatic coating that seeps into every slice.
• Fresh sage: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the squash beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Feta cheese: Brings a tangy creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the squash.
• Toasted hazelnuts: Offer a wonderful crunch and toasty, buttery flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle to help with roasting and adding depth to the crusty edges.

How to Make Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your squash is prepped. Peel the butternut squash and slice it in half lengthwise—this makes it easier to do the signature Hasselback cuts. Then, carefully make thin, even slices about 1/8 inch apart through each half, but don’t cut all the way through. These slits allow the flavors to melt, mingle, and caramelize throughout the roasting process.

Step 2: Make the Sage Butter

Melt the unsalted butter gently and stir in the finely chopped fresh sage. This fragrant butter mixture will infuse each bite with herbaceous warmth and rich buttery goodness. Brush it generously over the butternut squash, making sure some of the butter drizzles into those delicate slices. Season lightly with salt and pepper to balance the sweetness and earthiness.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Place the squash halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup and keeps your squash from sticking. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help develop those caramelized edges we all crave. Roast the squash for about 35 to 40 minutes, until it is tender when pierced with a fork and showing golden, caramelized edges that smell irresistible.

Step 4: Add Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts

Once your squash is beautifully roasted, remove it from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta and chopped toasted hazelnuts over the top. Return the tray to the oven for another 5 minutes. This short blast of heat will slightly melt the feta, creating creamy pockets amid the crunchy, nutty bites—this is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Serve Warm

After the feta has melted slightly, take your squash out and if you like, add a few extra sage leaves on top for a fresh, green pop. Serve warm to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures. Each slice invites a perfect bite of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all at once.

How to Serve Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts

Garnishes

Fresh sage leaves not only look stunning on top but add an extra burst of herbal aroma that intensifies the dish’s flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can also elevate the eating experience by enhancing the textures and balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for some refreshing contrast or alongside roasted meats like chicken or pork to add a sweet and nutty complement. It also works well nestled next to creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of hearty grain salad for a fulfilling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Hasselback butternut squash into manageable portions and arrange them on a large serving platter. For a festive touch, scatter some extra toasted hazelnuts and crumbled feta across the plate, and even add some edible flowers or microgreens. Serving it family-style encourages sharing and invites conversation around the table—because food tastes better when enjoyed together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, and it makes a fantastic ready-to-eat side for busy days.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the squash and nuts. If you must freeze, peel and slice butternut squash raw and keep it separate from the toppings. Assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps preserve the crispy edges and prevents the feta from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the squash mushy and the hazelnuts lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are excellent substitutes and will still provide that delightful crunch and nutty flavor, although the unique buttery profile of hazelnuts is especially complementary to the squash and feta combination.

Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash?

Peeling the butternut squash is recommended because the skin can be tough and chewy when roasted Hasselback-style. Removing it ensures every bite is tender and enjoyable.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and substitute the feta with a vegan cheese or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy flavor. Toasted hazelnuts will still add great texture.

How thin should I slice the squash?

Slices about 1/8 inch apart are ideal. Thin slices allow the sage butter and seasonings to penetrate and caramelize nicely without the squash collapsing or breaking apart.

What is the best way to toast hazelnuts?

Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking occasionally, until they are fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool before chopping to maintain their crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Hasselback Butternut Squash with Sage Butter, Feta & Toasted Hazelnuts is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in extraordinary ways. Its combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it one unforgettable dish. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find yourself making it over and over because it delights every time and feels like a warm hug on a plate.