Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves on the Grill
8 Servings
For this holiday-worthy recipe, roasting the butternut with several bay leaves slipped between the slices results in a subtle aromatic backdrop for the chile glaze.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large butternut squash or 2–3 small honeynut squash (about 3 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup, preferably grade B
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 6–8 dried bay leaves
RECIPE PREPARATION
- Heat up your Arteflame grill. Meanwhile, halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a large spoon. Using a peeler, remove skin and white flesh below (you should reach the deep orange flesh). Rub all over with oil; season with salt and pepper. Microwave the squash in a baking dish just large enough to hold halves side by side until beginning to soften (a paring knife should easily slip in only about ¼"), check in about 6 - 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring chile, maple syrup, butter, and vinegar to a simmer in a small saucepan on the grill, stirring occasionally and removing chile as soon as desired heat level is reached (set aside for serving), until just thick enough to coat spoon, 6–8 minutes. Place pan on grill grate riser or on the cooler edge of the grill to keep the glaze warm
- Taking squash from the microwave, transfer to grill. Using a sharp knife, score rounded sides of squash halves crosswise, going as deep as possible but without cutting all the way through. Place squash, scored sides up onto grill and tuck bay leaves between a few of the slices; season with salt and pepper.
- Roast squash, covering it with a stainless pan or bowl creating a mini oven effect. Basting with glaze every 10 minutes or so and using pastry brush to lift off any glaze that is browning too much, until tender and glaze forms a rich brown coating, 30-40 minutes. Serve topped with reserved chiles.
- Do Ahead: Squash can be roasted 4 hours ahead. Let cool until just warm; cover and store at room temperature. Reheat before serving.
