When you need a side dish that really wows, this butternut squash and bacon recipe is what you need to try! Plus, we added Brussels sprouts and, of course, some cheese to top it all off. Check it out now for a tasty fall recipe.
I don’t think it’s a surprise to say that bacon makes anything better – or at least we like to think so. It provides a nice bit of salt and a touch of smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with the vegetables in this dish.
What ingredients do you need to make butternut squash and bacon?
- Butternut squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Bacon
- Garlic cloves
- Maple syrup
- Red chili flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Cheddar cheese or goat cheese
You may have seen my post for butternut squash soup where I share one of my favorite tips for cooking with butternut squash. The tip is simply to buy frozen, already cubed butternut squash. It’s usually a great time saver and much easier than cutting up a butternut squash. While this recipe uses fresh butternut squash, if frozen is what you have, you can certainly make it work!
Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
- Sure can! Simply thaw it first then proceed with the recipe. Note that frozen squash (thawed) will likely cook more quickly.
What meat goes well with squash?
- Bacon, of course! But if you are looking for a main protein, we love to use any type of pork.
- Sausage is also another great option – check out a simple sheet pan recipe that uses sausage and squash here.
Being from Wisconsin, people love to joke about how much we love cheese, but this dish is truly taken to the next level with the cheese topping. Once you’ve cooked your delicioius squash, Brussels sprouts and bacon, while the dish is still warm, top with chunks of goat cheese. Feel free to use cheddar, if you prefer.
Either way, topping this dish with a touch of cheese is the last piece to an amazing side dish!
Butternut Squash and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash diced. About 6 cups.
- 8 oz. brussels sprouts a generous cup. Cut them in half.
- 1/2 lb. bacon chopped
- 3-5 cloves garlic minced.
- 2 Tbs. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes
- 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- Cheddar cheese or goat cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425.
- Dice butternut squash and cut Brussels sprouts in half. Put in large glass bowl.
- Cut bacon into small pieces.
- Pour all ingredients, except bacon, over butternut squash and Brussels sprouts. Stir to coat.
- Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Feel free to use a different size if that is what you have on hand.
- Add bacon and nestle between the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
- Bake for 35 - 40 minutes. Top with cheese and enjoy!
Amy S says
My favorite fall side dish is either baked sweet potatoes or roasted brussel sprouts.
Jan R says
I love creamy cornbread casserole with cheese melted on top! Re-heats easily in the microwave.
Alison says
Ooh! I would have to say cheesy mashed potatoes is one of my favorite fall side dishes (but really any time of year). I love adding cream cheese and plenty of butter. Roasted brussel sprouts and bacon is also amazing.
Sweetphi says
Oh yum – cheese mashed potatoes sound incredible!!
Linda Garcia says
This recipe looks amazing and I will definitely be making it. My favorite fall side dish is Maple Roasted Squash & Brussels Sprouts. It’s sooo good!!
Sweetphi says
If you love maple roasted squash and brussels, you’ll absolutely love this dish, can’t wait for you to try it!
Monica Muraro says
This recipe looks so good, never thought of putting bacon and butternut squash together. One of my favorite Fall side dishes is stuffing (probably because it is the only time I make it) I could make my whole meal, one big bowl of stuffing 🙂
Sweetphi says
I think you’ll love this dish, the flavor combination is out of this world delicious! And yum, stuffing! I didn’t love stuffing so much until a few years ago when I started making sourdough bread and then made stuffing with it, omg, so so good!
Leann G says
My favorite fall side is sweet potato casserole (but let’s be honest…we enjoy it all year long!).
Sweetphi says
Nothing better than a good sweet potato casserole – I always love the topping!!
Elizabeth says
This looks amazingly delicious! I have 2 favorite fall side dishes: sweet potato empanadas and pineapple souffle.
Sweetphi says
Those are both such unique sounding favorite side dishes, I’ve never heard of a pineapple souffle, sounds so good!
Mary W says
Fall to us here in the South means enjoying butternut squash recipes. We love a simple roasted butternut recipe of olive oil, squash peeled and cubed, salt, pepper and garlic. I could eat the whole pan by my self!
Sweetphi says
I love butternut squash recipes too – and a simple oven roasted squash, totally agree, I could eat the whole pan myself too – it’s just the peeling/cutting that’s so hard lol
Kristy says
Love the idea of the goat cheese in this recipe!
My fave fall side dish is cranberry chutney. I grew up thinking cranberry sauce in the can was the only way to go, until I finally tried this chutney. My mom got the recipe from her dear friend from her nursing school days, and I think of both of them every fall as I stand at the stove, watching cranberries pop. Makes the house smell amazing, too!
Sweetphi says
The goat cheese totally takes this dish to the next level!
And YUM, that cranberry chutney sounds incredible – I love when dishes are aromatic!
Susan L Craig says
We aren’t brussell sprout folks. My favorite side dish is your 5 ingredient spicy roasted carrots. Absolutely delicious – we always make it for Thanksgiving.
Sweetphi says
So happy to hear you guys love the spicy roasted carrots, makes my day!!
Rebecca says
Gosh, Phi! I can’t name just one. I love all of the sides! I started making brussel sprouts a few years ago for Thanksgiving. And now I (and my family) LOVE them! Before that, we had never had them. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sweetphi says
If you love brussel sprouts you’ll love this dish, thank you so much for commenting 🙂
Rene Marquette says
Cranberry sauce by far is my favorite!, and NOT the stuff from the can either. Love it, have to have it.😋😋
Sweetphi says
I love cranberry sauce – just this time of year! And YES, the homemade kind for sure. I’m a purist and just like the classic cranberry sauce, do you like any add ins?
Rene says
I like the classic flavors of maple syrup or brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest and a cinnamon stick. I have experimented over the years with apple, ginger, fall spices and a little bourbon. I always go back to the classic.
Sweetphi says
I always go back to the classics too. I did have one with raspberries that was pretty good, but I’m still a purist lol