Ina Garten’s Heavenly Caramelized Butternut Squash With Burrata Recipe

Caramelized butternut squash transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that dances between sweet and savory sensations.

Golden-brown edges hint at intense flavor potential waiting to emerge from this vibrant seasonal ingredient.

Warm spices and gentle caramelization unlock hidden depths within each tender morsel.

Rich, complex notes emerge through careful roasting techniques that amplify natural sweetness and depth.

Delicate cheese and crunchy nuts provide perfect textural counterpoints to the soft, caramelized squash foundation.

Subtle heat from red pepper flakes adds unexpected complexity to this luxurious side dish.

Why Burrata & Butternut Are a Dream Pair

• Elevate Caramelization: The roasting method transforms ordinary butternut squash into a golden, sweet masterpiece with crispy edges and tender centers, creating an irresistible depth of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
• Luxurious Ingredient Harmony: Creamy burrata cheese pairs perfectly with the caramelized squash, while dried cranberries and almonds add unexpected bursts of texture and tangy-nutty complexity that dance together on your plate.
• Quick Gourmet Elegance: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 45 minutes, making it an impressive yet surprisingly simple dish that looks and tastes like you've spent hours preparing a sophisticated meal.
• Sensory Flavor Adventure: The combination of brown sugar's sweetness, red pepper flakes' subtle heat, balsamic vinegar's tang, and olive oil's richness creates a multi-dimensional taste experience that keeps your palate intrigued from first bite to last.

Shopping List for Caramelized Squash & Burrata

Main Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash: Sweet winter vegetable with vibrant orange color, perfect for caramelizing and roasting.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil helps create crispy caramelized edges and adds rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances caramelization and brings subtle sweetness to the squash.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden-brown roasted texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for developing deep flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and complexity to the dish.

• Burrata: Luxurious, creamy Italian cheese with soft center, creating a beautiful contrast to roasted squash.
• Microgreens: Delicate, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle peppery taste.

• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet component that adds texture and brightness.
• Marsala Wine: Adds depth and complexity when simmered with cranberries.
• Almonds: Crunchy element that provides textural contrast.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy finish and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Roast Up Butternut and Top with Burrata

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash

• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Diced butter
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the squash until every piece is perfectly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes. The squash should turn golden and caramelize, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Infuse Cranberries

In a small saucepan, combine dried cranberries with Marsala wine. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the cranberries soak up the delicious wine.

Step 5: Create the Plate

• Soaked cranberries
• Toasted almonds

Step 6: Final Flourish

Arrange the squash mixture around the burrata. Sprinkle fresh microgreens on top. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and a touch of olive oil. Finish with a light seasoning of salt and black pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the dish to the table while it’s still warm. Watch as your guests marvel at this stunning combination of flavors and textures.

Helpful Tips for Butternut Goodness

• Dice with Precision: Cut butternut squash into exact ¾-inch cubes to guarantee consistent caramelization and beautiful roasted edges.
• Rotate for Golden Perfection: Gently stir squash every 10 minutes during roasting to ensure each piece develops an even, rich golden-brown color without burning.
• Plump Cranberries with Marsala: Soak dried cranberries in warm Marsala wine to enhance their flavor and create a juicy, tender texture that complements the roasted squash.
• Select Creamy Burrata: Choose ultra-fresh burrata cheese to deliver a luxurious, silky contrast against the caramelized squash and tangy cranberry notes.
• Drizzle Balsamic Elegance: Finish the dish with a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar to introduce complex sweetness and depth that elevates the entire flavor profile.

Keep the Leftovers Just as Tasty

• Preserve Separately: Separate the burrata and roasted butternut squash before storing to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess. Place the squash in one sealed container and the burrata in another, keeping both in the refrigerator's coolest section.
• Reheat Strategically: Gently warm the butternut squash in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it regains its caramelized edges without becoming mushy. Remove the burrata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and creamy consistency.
• Freshness Check: Consume the stored dish within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.

Squash & Burrata Combos You’ll Crave

• Winter Harvest Remix: Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes and add roasted pecans for a hearty Southern-style version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Marsala wine with white wine, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired approach.
• Spicy Autumn Splash: Increase red pepper flakes, introduce diced jalapeños, and incorporate chipotle powder for extra heat and smoky depth.
• Apple Orchard Celebration: Incorporate diced green apples during roasting, use apple cider instead of Marsala wine, and add toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and nutty flavor.

One Last Note on This Savory Side

Ina Garten’s caramelized butternut squash with burrata elevates autumn’s culinary landscape with sophisticated simplicity.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance across elegant plates, creating sensory experiences beyond typical side dishes.

Rustic sweetness from caramelized squash harmonizes perfectly with creamy burrata’s luxurious texture.

Marsala-soaked cranberries add sophisticated depth, while toasted almonds provide delightful crunch.

Balsamic drizzles and microgreen garnishes complete this masterful composition.

Savor each exquisite bite, share this recipe with passionate epicureans, comment below with your delicious variations, and spread culinary inspiration through social media channels.

Ina Garten Caramelized Butternut Squash With Burrata Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s caramelized butternut squash with burrata offers a symphony of autumn flavors that dance between sweet and savory. Roasted golden squash meets creamy Italian cheese, creating a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal with Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) butternut squash, ¾-inch diced
• 16 to 24 ounces (454 to 680 grams) burrata
• ¾ cup (120 grams) dried cranberries (3 ounces)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 teaspoons (¼ stick or 9 grams) unsalted butter, diced
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) dry Marsala wine
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Garnish and Finishing:

• ⅓ cup (45 grams) roasted, salted Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped
• 2 ounces (57 grams) microgreens
• Aged balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a robust 400°F (200°C), ensuring the cooking environment is perfectly calibrated for roasting.
2. Prepare the butternut squash by meticulously dicing it into uniform cubes. Spread the cubes on a spacious baking sheet, generously drizzling with of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle brown sugar, add diced butter, red pepper flakes, of salt, and 1½ teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly massage the seasonings into the squash, creating an even coating, and arrange in a single layer to promote even caramelization. Roast for 30-35 minutes, gently turning the squash every 10 minutes to ensure consistent browning and tenderness.
3. While the squash roasts, prepare the cranberries by combining dried cranberries with Marsala wine in a small saucepan. Gently simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture rest, covered.
4. Create the final composition by placing a luxurious portion of burrata at the center of each of four serving plates. In a mixing bowl, delicately combine the roasted butternut squash with the wine-infused cranberries and toasted almonds.
5. Complete the dish by artfully arranging the squash mixture around the creamy burrata. Garnish with delicate microgreens, drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and a final touch of olive oil. Season with a final pinch of salt and a whisper of black pepper. Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Slice butternut squash precisely into ¾-inch cubes to ensure uniform caramelization and beautiful roasted edges during cooking.
• Rotate squash pieces every 10 minutes while roasting to guarantee even browning and prevent any burnt spots on the vegetables.
• Infuse cranberries with warm Marsala wine by letting them soak after simmering, which enhances their flavor and creates plump, juicy berries.
• Select ultra-fresh burrata cheese to elevate the dish’s creamy texture and provide a luxurious contrast against the caramelized squash.
• Drizzle top-tier aged balsamic vinegar as a final touch, introducing rich depth and subtle sweetness to complement the roasted ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 286 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 595 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg