Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash
halved and seeds removed
- 1 garlic head
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup freshly grated gouda cheese
about 3 ounces
- 2/3 cup freshly grated cheddar
about 3 ounces
- 2/3 cup freshly grated raclette or parmesan
about 3 ounces
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
optional, for topping
- 1 cup milk of choice
I typically use almond or oat
- 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon sage
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound orzo
- Red pepper flakes
optional, for topping
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 2
On a lined baking sheet, place the butternut squash skin side up. Slice the top off the garlic head and add it to the sheet pan. Drizzle the garlic head with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is soft and the garlic is golden.
- 3
While the squash is roasting, grate all your cheeses into one big bowl and set aside.
- 4
When the squash is out of the oven, reduce the oven to 350°F. If using them for topping, scatter the breadcrumbs on an unlined baking sheet and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and bake for 9-10 minutes or until golden, then set aside.
- 5
Let the squash sit until it is cool enough to handle, then scoop out the soft inside, removing 2 cups (12 ounces) of mashed squash. Add the squash to a blender along with the milk and squeeze in the garlic cloves. Blend until very smooth.
- 6
Place the large sauté pan over medium heat. Add in a few tablespoons of olive oil, then all the spices. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant. Add the butternut pureé and the bay leaf and reduce the heat to medium-low. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 7
While the butternut pureé is on the stove, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil alongside it. Generously season it with a few pinches of salt.
- 8
Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes or until al dente.
- 9
Remove the bay leaf from the butternut mixture. Use a slotted spoon or sieve to transfer the orzo directly into the butternut sauce, reserving the pasta water for later. Stir to combine.
- 10
Alternate between adding a handful of cheese and splashes of pasta water, stirring constantly as the cheese melts into the pasta. It should become thick and creamy, almost like risotto.
- 11
To serve, portion into bowls and top with breadcrumbs, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy the cheesiness!
Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo
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About this Recipe
Craving ultimate comfort food without the fuss? This Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo delivers a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that's a perfect cozy dinner, making weeknights feel special.
What sets this Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo apart is its luxurious creaminess, achieved with less effort than a traditional risotto, yet delivering all the starchy comfort. The secret lies in a harmonious blend of gouda, cheddar, and raclette (or parmesan), creating an extra smooth, melty texture that elevates the humble orzo.
Prepare for a symphony of comforting flavors and textures. Each spoonful of this butternut squash orzo is smooth and velvety, with the subtle sweetness of roasted squash perfectly balanced by a thoughtful blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne pepper. The trio of cheeses ensures a deeply satisfying, savory richness that coats every piece of orzo, making for a truly cozy and comforting meal. This dish celebrates wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly indulgent.
Feel free to customize this cozy dish to your liking. While the recipe calls for specific cheeses, you can experiment with other good melting varieties if you prefer. For a different flavor profile, adjust the spices or add a pinch more cayenne for extra warmth. The recipe uses a milk of choice, such as almond or oat, making it easily adaptable for different preferences. Top with fresh breadcrumbs for crunch or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
This Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends. Serving 5, it's perfect for sharing and brings a touch of cozy elegance to any table.