I didn't know I loved butternut squash so much until my mom made this recipe. It is so yummy. Since then I have bought precut, packaged butternut squash from Costco to make this and just eat it soft with butter and brown sugar. If you buy precut squash from Costco, it is super easy. Otherwise the peeling and cutting is the hardest thing about this. YUMMY!!
1 1/2 T. unsalted butter (I don't buy unsalted so I use just butter) 1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs (or not fresh) 1/3 c. fresh grated parmesan cheese (or not :) 3 lbs. (about 5 cups) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 T. unsalted butter, melted 1 T. all purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup half and half
Mel butter in small saute pan, add bread crumbs and toast them, stirring until golden brown 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool Toss in a small bowl with parmesan cheese. SEt aside. Heat oven to 375*. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Put squash in a large bowl. Stir in garlic, butter, flour, salt, and pepper. Spoon mixture into prepared dish and pour half and half on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan bread crumbs. Return to oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes more until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and serve. This can also be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. Makes 4-6 side dish servings.