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This savory butternut squash crumble brings a delightful twist to traditional sweet crumbles. The squash transforms into a silky smooth purée topped with a crispy parmesan crust that never fails to impress dinner guests. This dish was created during autumn experiments with seasonal squash preparations.
A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish
This recipe has become a fall dinner favorite. The natural sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with the crunchy crumble topping, while crispy bacon adds the perfect savory touch. It's a warm, inviting dish that brings comfort to any meal.
Key Components for Success
- Butternut Base: Choose a fully ripe squash for maximum sweetness, use homemade stock when possible, and incorporate creamy ricotta for extra richness.
- Filling: Ensure bacon pieces are extra crispy and onions are properly caramelized for textural contrast.
- Topping: Use freshly grated parmesan, day-old bread for structure, and softened butter to achieve the ideal crumble texture.
Essential Preparation Steps
- Preparing the Squash
- Cut butternut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Let the stock simmer to develop deep flavors.
- Building Flavors
- Sauté onions until translucent while crisping bacon to release its smoky aroma.
- Creating the Topping
- Gently work ingredients together until achieving a sandy texture that will become golden and crisp.
- Final Assembly
- Layer components carefully in individual baking dishes before baking until perfectly golden.
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Professional Tips
Always taste the butternut purée for seasoning before assembling. Add freshly ground black pepper to the crumble just before baking. For best results, use aged Parmigiano Reggiano (24 months) to achieve an exceptionally flavorful golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this crumble ahead of time?
Yes, all components can be prepped a day early. Just bake it fresh when you're ready to eat to keep the topping crunchy.
- → Can I switch butternut squash for something else?
Definitely! Pumpkin or kabocha squash work wonderfully as substitutes. Just adjust cooking time based on your choice.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven so the topping gets crisp again.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Freezing is not ideal since it can change the texture of both the crumble layer and the squash puree.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.