Homemade Butternut Squash Bake Recipe
This Homemade Butternut Squash Bake is a vibrant, all-in-one vegetarian dish featuring roasted red onion, butternut squash, and garlic paired with tender orzo pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and topped with flavorful pesto and golden halloumi cheese. Roasted and baked to perfection, it offers a hearty, comforting meal with a delightful blend of textures and herby flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Vegetables and Orzo
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 lb butternut squash, cubed (fresh or frozen)
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes
Topping
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, cubed (about 2 cm pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200℃/400°F fan (or 220℃/425°F/Gas Mark 7). In a large roasting dish, combine the red onion wedges, cubed butternut squash, and crushed garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle paprika, and season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper. Toss well so the veggies are evenly coated. Spread in an even layer and roast uncovered for 30 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and caramelize.
- Add Orzo, Tomatoes, Pesto, and Halloumi: Remove the roasting dish from the oven and add the dry orzo pasta, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, and pesto to the roasted vegetables. Mix thoroughly to ensure the orzo is submerged in the broth. Evenly distribute the cubed halloumi cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-25 minutes, until the halloumi is golden and the orzo has cooked through. Check at 15 minutes as orzo cooking times vary; add a splash of water if the dish looks dry.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and tender, remove the dish from the oven. Gently stir to blend the flavors before plating. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for extra freshness. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use good-quality pesto for a brighter, herby flavor.
- Check the orzo cooking progress at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- If the bake appears dry during cooking, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely fresh note when sprinkled on top before serving.
- You can substitute halloumi with another semi-firm cheese if desired, though halloumi’s grilling properties are ideal.
Keywords: butternut squash bake, roasted vegetables, orzo pasta, halloumi cheese, pesto, vegetarian dinner, baked orzo, Mediterranean dish
