Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, rustic dish that still feels elegant, this Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan recipe hits all the right notes. I love this galette because it’s that perfect balance between tender, slightly sweet butternut squash and deeply flavorful caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but feels genuinely comforting—ideal for fall dinners or holiday gatherings.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how simple ingredients transformed into something so delightful without the fuss of a traditional tart. You’ll find that roasting the squash just right and folding the crust over the filling creates this wonderful texture contrast, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you master this Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan recipe, you’ll want to make it all season long.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a handful of straightforward ingredients that complement each other so well. When shopping, pick a firm butternut squash and a good quality pie crust to make your galette shine.

• Yellow onions: Sweet varieties work best for caramelizing into that rich, golden goodness.
• Kosher salt: Helps draw out moisture during caramelization and enhances every flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality for sautéing; it adds a lovely depth without overpowering.
• Pie crust dough: I usually go for refrigerated store-bought for ease, but homemade works beautifully here too.
• Butternut squash: The thin slices cook evenly and melt into the crust’s buttery layers.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
• Parmesan cheese: Opt for a high-quality, freshly grated kind—it really makes a difference.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Brings that woodsy, fragrant lift that complements the squash and onions perfectly.
• Egg: Used for brushing the crust edges so you get that gorgeous golden color.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste or seasonal availability. Feel free to mix and match to make it your own!

• Add some spice: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or smoked paprika on the squash for a warm twist.
• Different cheeses: Switching Parmesan with Gruyère or goat cheese makes it creamier and a bit more tangy.
• Herb swap: Rosemary or sage work beautifully if you want to change the herbal notes.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan pie crust and swap the egg wash with almond milk wash, and choose a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

How to Make Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Your Onions Slowly

The secret to rich flavor here is definitely the caramelized onions. Heat your pan on medium, add your olive oil, and toss in sliced onions with a bit of salt. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir often but gently—don’t rush! Around 30 minutes, they’ll turn golden brown and sweet, and it’s pure magic in flavor. Patience here really pays off and will elevate the whole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash Slices

I like using a mandolin for perfectly even ⅛-inch thick slices so the squash cooks uniformly. Try to slice from the thinner neck part of the squash that’s solid and seedless—that’s easiest and gives you nice rounds. Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, half your Parmesan, and half the thyme for an instant flavor boost before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Galette

Roll your pie dough on parchment and prick it lightly with a fork, leaving a border untouched for folding later. Start layering a third of those caramelized onions on the dough, then arrange the butternut slices in concentric circles, nesting the rest of the onions between layers as you go. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and thyme on top, then fold the crust edges up and over, making neat pleats. Brush those edges with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes to let everything steam and soften gently. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and the squash is tender—you can test this with a toothpick poked into the center. This two-step bake keeps the crust crisp without drying out the squash layer. Once done, let it cool just a bit before slicing into six generous pieces.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves right before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a touch of balsamic glaze also adds that extra layer of flavor and makes it feel special.

Side Dishes

This galette pairs wonderfully with a crisp winter salad—my go-to is a Brussels sprout slaw with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple baby greens salad with pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans to balance the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving the galette on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh thyme and small bowls of mixed greens. You can also cut it into smaller squares as finger food for appetizers—always a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that this galette keeps well for up to 3 days without losing its lovely texture or flavors.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this galette freezes beautifully. Just slice it, wrap pieces individually in foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I like reheating slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling warm, rather than microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan recipe has become one of my go-to autumn dishes because it’s both simple and sophisticated in flavor. I love how it brings warmth and beauty to the table without hours of fuss in the kitchen. I really hope you give this a try—you’ll find it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal squash and impress your friends and family all at once.

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