Delicious Savory Butternut Squash Crumble with Bacon & Walnut Streusel: The Perfect Fall & Thanksgiving Side Dish

Forget everything you thought you knew about crumbles! While traditionally sweet and fruity, this exceptional Butternut Squash Crumble defies expectations, offering a truly savory and deeply satisfying experience. Imagine tender, caramelized butternut squash infused with crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and all topped with a rich, buttery walnut streusel. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a new favorite on your autumn and holiday tables.

A Journey into Savory Crumbles: Inspired by Bountiful Flavors

My culinary journey often leads me down unexpected paths, and one such delightful detour was discovering the concept of a savory crumble. This revelation came courtesy of the “Bountiful” cookbook, a treasure trove of garden-inspired recipes by my favorite food photographers, Diane and Todd of White On Rice Couple. Their beautiful photography and insightful tips have always been a source of inspiration, and “Bountiful” proved to be no different.

Getting my hands on “Bountiful” was an exciting moment. It’s a substantial cookbook, brimming with recipes that truly celebrate the abundance of the garden – from vibrant fruits and robust vegetables to fragrant fresh herbs. While deeply rooted in produce, it’s far from a strictly vegetarian book, happily incorporating elements like pancetta or bacon to enhance the natural flavors, as evidenced by some of the first recipes I eagerly tried.

Among the many tempting dishes, the Butternut Squash Crumble immediately captured my attention. I’ve always had a soft spot for butternut squash, with its sweet, nutty flavor and comforting texture. However, the idea of a savory crumble was entirely new to me, sparking a curiosity that I simply had to explore. Could a crumble transcend its dessert-only reputation?

The Irresistible Allure of a Savory Butternut Squash Dish

Indeed, it can! This savory butternut squash crumble is a game-changer. Instead of the usual sweet, fruit-filled concoction, this version offers a sophisticated profile with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash, the smoky richness of bacon, the umami depth of mushrooms, and a truly delectable buttery walnut streusel providing a wonderful crunch on top. It transforms a familiar concept into an extraordinary side dish, perfect for elevating everyday fall dinners or making a statement at holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving.

Leafing through “Bountiful” reignited my passion for fresh, seasonal produce. It served as a wonderful reminder of the vibrant bounty available at local farmer’s markets, a summer ritual I often miss amidst busy weekends. The cookbook is organized by ingredient, featuring chapters dedicated to tomatoes, herbs and leafy greens, squashes, roots and bulbs, and much more. With 100 recipes in total, 90 of which were new to me, it offered a wealth of fresh ideas to explore in my own kitchen.

Crafting Your Perfect Butternut Squash Crumble: Tips and Adaptations

This particular butternut squash crumble recipe was a spontaneous creation born out of necessity when my family was visiting, and I needed a delicious side dish without a trip to the grocery store. My pantry offered butternut squash and some frozen spinach (leftover from a previous butternut squash alfredo adventure), and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to try that intriguing crumble recipe.

Butternut squash, while undeniably a beloved fall vegetable, presents its own challenges, namely the peeling and cutting. If you’re like me and find this a bit cumbersome, rest assured you’re not alone! A sharp peeler and a sturdy chef’s knife are your best friends here. And don’t discard those seeds! Roasted with a sprinkle of garlic powder and salt, they make a fantastic crunchy topping or snack.

The original recipe called for pancetta, but I opted for readily available bacon, which added a wonderful smoky depth. Similarly, if sage isn’t your herb of choice, feel free to adapt! This dish is incredibly versatile. Consider swapping in fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of nutmeg to complement the squash. The beauty of this savory crumble lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences.

The preparation for this crumble is reminiscent of making a hash, where the ingredients are sautéed to perfection before being transferred to a baking dish. The magic truly happens in the oven as the flavors meld and the buttery walnut streusel transforms into a golden, crispy crown. This combination of tender vegetables and crunchy topping creates a symphony of textures that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re planning an intimate Thanksgiving Dinner For Two or a cozy Christmas For Two, this butternut squash crumble makes an ideal side dish. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth are perfectly suited for holiday celebrations, bringing a touch of elegance and rustic charm to any festive spread. Even for larger gatherings, it scales up beautifully, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a taste of this autumnal delight.

Why This Savory Butternut Squash Crumble Stands Out

• Unique Flavor Profile: It breaks away from traditional sweet crumbles, offering a sophisticated savory alternative.
• Perfect for Fall: Embraces seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, making it a fitting dish for autumn.
• Holiday Ready: Elegant enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
• Texture Contrast: The creamy squash filling beautifully contrasts with the crispy bacon and crunchy walnut streusel.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal taste preferences, from herbs to additional vegetables.
• Comforting & Wholesome: A truly heartwarming dish that offers both comfort and nutritional goodness.

This savory butternut squash crumble truly offers a fresh perspective on a classic concept. It’s a dish that invites you to savor the season’s bounty in a new and exciting way. Prepare to impress your taste buds and your guests with this fantastic creation!

Butternut Squash Crumble

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Not all crumbles are for dessert! This delicious Butternut Squash Crumble is a savory sensation featuring crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a delightful buttery walnut streusel. It’s the ultimate comforting fall side dish and a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

• 2 strips uncooked bacon
• 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 4 large white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chicken stock/broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Have a 1-quart casserole dish ready for assembly.
2. In a large skillet, add the bacon strips and place over medium heat. Cook the bacon for a few minutes until it becomes beautifully crispy. Flip and finish cooking the other side until uniformly crisp.
3. Carefully remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel. Pat off any excess grease. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet – they will add incredible flavor to the vegetables!
4. Add the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to brown and soften, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and the crumbled bacon. Cook for just 1 minute more, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Add the fresh chopped parsley, chicken stock/broth, and salt to the squash mixture. Stir well to combine. Transfer this flavorful squash mixture into your prepared 1-quart baking dish and cover it tightly with foil or a lid.
7. Bake the covered squash in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
8. While the squash is baking, prepare your delicious crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold unsalted butter pieces. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles small, coarse pebbles. For the best results, refrigerate the crumble mixture until you’re ready to use it.
9. Once the squash is tender, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and uncover it. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble mixture over the top of the squash. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and deliciously crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Source: Adapted from Bountiful (Amazon affiliate link)